Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Issouf Sissokho has urged his teammates to make their fans proud when they face Aston Villa in the Europa League, despite the ban preventing Israeli supporters from attending the politically sensitive fixture. The match, set to be played at Villa Park, will take place under heavy police presence following heightened tensions surrounding the fixture.
The decision to bar Maccabi fans was made on public safety grounds by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group, citing intelligence reports and previous incidents involving fan unrest. As a result, over 700 police officers, along with mounted units, dogs, and drone teams, will be deployed around the stadium. Authorities have also granted section 60 stop-and-search powers to maintain order and prevent potential clashes.
Sissokho acknowledged the emotional impact of the ban, saying that playing without fan support is difficult, especially since Maccabi have already been forced to play their home European games in Belgrade this season. He emphasized the team’s commitment to give everything on the pitch and deliver a performance that could make their supporters smile from afar.
Head coach Zarko Lazetic chose not to comment on whether the decision was unfair but reaffirmed his focus on football. He confirmed that the team had discussed the broader political situation but stressed that their attention remains solely on the match itself.
The ban has sparked widespread political debate, with national leaders criticizing the move as unjust. Some have described it as a failure to combat antisemitism, while others view it as a necessary precaution to ensure public safety. Local schools near Villa Park, including Mansfield Green E-Act Primary and BOA Creative Academy, have announced early closures due to safety concerns.
Aston Villa have reminded their supporters to refrain from displaying political messages or flags inside the stadium. The club has also imposed restrictions on ticket sales, limiting access to fans with prior purchase histories and warning against ticket resales.
As tensions rise in Birmingham, Maccabi Tel Aviv aim to focus on football, hoping to turn a challenging situation into motivation and give their distant supporters a reason to cheer.
