International Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv: Israeli Club Now Refusing to Allow Fans to Travel After Club Was Initially Barred by Safety Advisory Group

[Siver!]

First: bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cy9pjv59w95o

Then: bbc.com/news/articles/c5ylxn8g2y2o

But: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cgr4n07509wo

Most recent update: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c3w98224xx8o

I'm not sure how many follow European football, but this has been an interesting exercise in political machinations and grandstanding.

So first, Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were banned from visiting Aston Villa after "current intelligence" suggested there were security concerns, as well as after the debacle when Maccabi Tel Aviv visited Ajax Amsterdam last season.

Ever terrified of Labour being labelled 'antisemitic' again, Keir Starmer shit his pants and did everything in his power to get the Israeli fans permitted once more, and while all looked on track to make that happen - in spite of the fact Maccabi's fanbase is riddled with hooligans whom are notoriously racist and antisemitic (anti-Arab) and had to have their most recent game in the Israeli Premier League cancelled due to crowd trouble - Maccabi, the club, have now turned round and said "no thanks" to the offer of tickets to the Aston Villa game.

What a mess.

Incidentally, but nowhere near as high profile because it's not as hot a topic as Israel, but Eintracht Frankfurt fans have also been banned from travelling to Napoli.

Thoughts? Pandering? Right decision? Wrong decision? Pure unadulterated sulkery?

 

[KAZSoliloquy]

maccabi have one of the more incendiary racist groups of hooligans on the international soccer scene. not surprised their fans are not allowed

 

[Siver!]

maccabi have one of the more incendiary racist groups of hooligans on the international soccer scene. not surprised their fans are not allowed

UEFA's policy of deferment to local authorities has caused a few problems with this one.

Perhaps they should have more involvement by backing local decision makers rather than letting everyone fall out about it.

But yeah, Maccabi are notorious shitbags.

 

[fingercuffs]

As a Gooner I've been to enough rough North London derby games. Even had a Spurs fan literally up to my face yelling "I fucking hate the c words" with my 80 year old 4ft 10 mother in law. I never considered terrorist threats to be a part of English football back then. What a shame.