Aston Villa Vs Maccabi Tel Aviv: Security Operations Enhanced Around Villa Park

JAKARTA - Maccabi Tel Aviv manager Zarko Lazetic said he was saddened that his team's supporters were barred from attending the Europa League match against Aston Villa as massive security operations were underway.

The league phase match at Villa Park has become a major political issue after supporters of the Israeli club were barred from attending due to concerns over their safety.

The decision was made by the Birmingham Security Adviser Group, with Villa not involved, but the decision sparked debate at parliamentary level as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called it a mistake.

Maccabi then said they would refuse any tickets if the decision was overturned.

"We are concerned about the safety of our supporters and this is a big responsibility. With so many incitements, we feel uncomfortable taking that quota."

"It was a sad day in football because things like that shouldn't have happened".

"People have the right to free speech, of course, but people have no right to spread hatred," Maccabi CEO Tel Aviv, Jack Angelides, told Sky News on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, local time.

Sementara itu, Lazetic ingin tetap fokus pada sepak bola, tetapi setuju akan lebih baik jika timnya memiliki pekantah sekitar 2.000 pendukung di dalam Villa Park.

"Yes (sad), of course. Unfair or fair, in this world I am not the person who has the right to judge that."

"However, on the ground, the situation is 11 against 11 and we will try to do our best," said Lazetic.

More than 700 police officers will be deployed amid a massive security operation that will involve police horses, police dogs, and drone units, with several planned protests on Thursday, November 6, 2025, local time.

The West Midlands Police will use Article 60's authority to stop and search people without reasonable reasons.

"We know protests by various groups will occur that day and we have plans that balance the right to protest with our obligation to protect all communities in Birmingham," reads the police statement.

Some pro-Palestinian protests are expected to take place around Villa Park, while it is not yet clear whether there will be any retaliatory protests or whether Maccabi supporters will attend without tickets.

Aston Villa supporters have also been warned not to display any political images or flags, according to UEFA regulations, on the night expected to take place with hot temperatures.

Earlier, journalists were warned not to ask non-ball questions at a press conference before the match held by Aston Villa coach, Unai Emery, at the training ground, where two pro-Palestinian supporters stood outside.

The Spaniard was protected from talking about the issue and was only interested in football.

"It's Europe and we play in Europe against very good teams. First, it's about our respect for the Europa League, for this tournament."

"Secondly, it's about our respect for Maccabi Tel Aviv. The goal is to be in the top 24, but the first priority we can achieve to be in the top eight."

"We will play tomorrow to really put out our best abilities collectively. We want to enjoy a trip in the Europa League," Emery said.