The ban was imposed after the West Midlands Safety Advisory Group classified the 6 November fixture at Villa Park as "high risk". West Midlands Police supported the move, citing recent violence and hate crime linked to Maccabi Tel Aviv's European fixtures, including incidents during their match against Ajax in Amsterdam earlier this year.
The UK government are in opposition to the decision, with PM Starmer leading the criticism. "This is the wrong decision. The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation," said Starmer.
The ban was imposed after the West Midlands Safety Advisory Group classified the 6 November fixture at Villa Park as "high risk". West Midlands Police supported the move, citing recent violence and hate crime linked to Maccabi Tel Aviv's European fixtures, including incidents during their match against Ajax in Amsterdam earlier this year.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is set to meet with the Home Office and other stakeholders to discuss the situation, amid mounting political pressure to reverse the decision. Minister Ian Murray said the government was doing "everything possible" to resolve the issue, despite it being an operational policing matter.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the move as a "national disgrace", while other MPs warned it sets a troubling precedent.
Aston Villa said it remains in "continuous dialogue" with Maccabi Tel Aviv and authorities, adding that the safety of fans and local residents remains the priority.
In a statement, West Midlands Police defended the ban: "This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences. We believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety."
UEFA expressed its desire for away fans to be able to travel safely but emphasised that final decisions rest with local authorities. The Jewish Leadership Council called the ban "perverse", while local MP Ayoub Khan supported it, citing ongoing tensions and potential unrest.
The match is scheduled for Thursday, 6 November at Villa Park.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has confirmed that striker Randal Kolo Muani is close to full fitness and could feature against Aston Villa on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Manchester City are reportedly considering a summer move for Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson, who has also been linked with Chelsea.
Tottenham's injury troubles have deepened after Ben Davies was forced off during Wales' 4–2 defeat to Belgium in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Monday night.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been ruled out of England's upcoming World Cup qualifier in Latvia after failing to recover from an injury sustained during last week's friendly against Wales.
