Overview
- The Birmingham City Council–chaired Safety Advisory Group reviewed the case behind closed doors and maintained advice that no Maccabi Tel Aviv away supporters should attend the November 6 fixture.
- West Midlands Police said its risk assessment had not changed, pointing to European intelligence including prior disorder involving some Maccabi supporters and the prospect of rival demonstrations near Villa Park.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood criticized the exclusion, and the Campaign Against Antisemitism warned of a legal challenge if the position stood.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv said it would not accept any away allocation, citing a toxic atmosphere and concerns for the safety of potential traveling supporters.
- The Board of Deputies said a proposal to reallocate about 500 away-end tickets to British Jewish fans was not progressed, alleging Aston Villa failed to engage, while the club cited security and control concerns and police kept the away end at zero capacity.