In brief
The CEO of Maccabi Tel Aviv, Jack Angelides, has voiced his disappointment regarding the prohibition of away fans at their Europa League clash with Aston Villa, stating that it is 'incredibly sad.' The ban comes after safety concerns were raised, leading to a debate at parliamentary levels about the implications of politics in football. Angelides believes this decision distracts from the main focus of the sport and calls for a return to normalcy in football.
The chief executive of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv says it is incredibly sad that away fans have been banned from his side's Europa League match at Aston Villa.
Jack Angelides told BBC Sport, Politics should never be drawn into football. The decision to prohibit traveling fans stems from concerns raised by police, leading to significant backlash and parliamentary discussions.
Angelides stated, It became a political issue and we're not a pawn in a political game, we're a football club. The current situation has taken away the normal excitement associated with European matches, and he expressed concern over perpetuating myths and falsehoods regarding the club and its supporters.
Six weeks ago, there were discussions about removing Israeli teams from international competitions due to the Israel-Gaza war. However, following a ceasefire, Maccabi Tel Aviv has remained in the Europa League.
The police's assessment was based on past incidents involving clashes and hate crimes, citing a violent match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv last year. Despite these security concerns, Angelides insists his fans are not the issue and calls attention to the incitement against Maccabi supporters.
In response to the ban, Maccabi fans will not attend the match, prioritizing safety. Pro-Palestinian organizations are also organizing protests outside Villa Park, reflecting the broader political context surrounding the game.
Over 700 police officers will be deployed to manage the situation, ensuring safety around the arena while the team prepares to play without their loyal supporters.
Angelides concluded, Our players will be ready to play a football match, despite the unusual circumstances. The ongoing situation highlights the complex relationship between sport and politics in today's world.
