Exclusive: Violent Maccabi Fans Linked to IDF, UK Police Find
Middle East Eye reveals new intelligence that prompted the ban on Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Aston Villa game this week. Dutch police informed their British counterparts that over 200 Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters, who caused chaos in Amsterdam in November 2024, were "linked to the Israel Defense Forces [IDF]." Furthermore, hundreds more were described as "experienced fighters," "highly organised," and "intent on causing serious violence."
Background to the Ban
The recent prohibition of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the 6 November match at Aston Villa in Birmingham sparked political controversy. The British government condemned the ban as antisemitic last month, but it was grounded in intelligence shared by Dutch police related to the fans' behavior at a previous match in Amsterdam.
The Guardian reported on 21 October that the police assessment "concluded the biggest risk of violence came from extremist fans of the Israeli club."
New Details Revealed
As the match day nears, Middle East Eye discloses further details from the police assessment that had not been made public. These revelations cast doubt on statements made by government ministers challenging the ban's justification.
Despite criticism from the government, both the police and Birmingham's safety advisory group maintained the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans. In response, the club decided not to sell tickets to its supporters for the fixture.
Summary
Intelligence linking violent Maccabi Tel Aviv fans to the IDF and their organized intent to cause disturbances prompted UK authorities to ban them from an Aston Villa match, igniting political debate and controversy.
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