Maccabi Tel Aviv match cancelled over police fears as Aston Villa await decision

The Tel Aviv derby has been cancelled just days after Maccabi Tel Aviv were informed that their away supporters would not be able to visit Villa Park for their clash against Aston Villa in the Europa League.

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s clash against Hapoel Tel Aviv has been cancelled. The derby was set to be played on Sunday night at Bloomfield Stadium, but it was postponed due to police concerns.

An official statement from Israeli police reads: “This was not a football game, but a case of serious disorder and violence. As a result, Israel Police has informed the clubs and match officials that the game cannot take place.”

Ahead of the highly anticipated clash, there was said to be an extensive use of pyrotechnics by fans, which led to both police and supporters suffering injuries. According to Israeli police, three officers and five fans were hurt during the incidents.

Shortly after the scheduled kick-off time of 8:30pm, the Israel Professional Football Leagues Association confirmed that the match would not go ahead due to police instructions, with the ground covered in smoke.

Police have also confirmed that supporters clashed outside the stadium, with five arrests made and several temporary detentions for illegal assembly. The postponement follows the announcement that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans will not be allowed to attend the Europa League clash against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Thursday, November 6.

West Midlands Police noted incidents of trouble during last season’s clash between Ajax and Maccabi fans in Amsterdam as justification for the ban. The body responsible for issuing safety certificates for football matches cited safety concerns.

The United Kingdom Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) have backed the decision made by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group. An official statement reads: “The UKFPU supported West Midlands Police in gaining access to the full details of the previous incidents in Amsterdam via the European policing network so they had all the relevant information available to them.

“Following this, the Home Office were briefed last week by the UKFPU about the potential issues and options that the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) may take including restrictions on visiting fans.

“The Safety Advisory Group is made up of independent bodies who make recommendations to the licensing authorities and the priority is always the safety of those attending matches and the wider public.

“This process was supported the Sports Ground Safety Authority. It is important that we respect and support the structures in place for making these decisions. If there are any adverse incidents, then they are the ones that will be held responsible.

“The UKFPU, in the wake of the Casey Review following the serious disorder at Wembley in 2021, has suggested that if the government want a role in regulating football events that could be termed ‘events of national significance’, then they need to bring forward legislation to formalise this to ensure accountability sits with decision-makers.”

Aston Villa have commented on the decision regarding next month’s fixture. An official statement reads: “Aston Villa can confirm the club has been informed that no away fans may attend the UEFA Europa League match with Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, November 6, following an instruction from the Safety Advisory Group.

“The Safety Advisory Group (SAG) are responsible for issuing safety certificates for every match at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors.

“Following a meeting this afternoon, the SAG have formally written to the club and UEFA to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture.

“West Midlands Police have advised the SAG that they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night.

“The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision.”

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