Fans of Israeli soccer team barred from major upcoming game in UK over 'safety' concerns

Ronen and Orna Neutra, parents of deceased U.S.-Israeli hostage Omer Neutra, thank the Trump administration for securing the release of the remaining living Israeli hostages while urging Hamas to return their son's remains.

Fans of the Israeli soccer team Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer are prohibited from attending a Europa League game in Birmingham, England, on Nov. 6.

The team's English opponent, Aston Villa, who is hosting the game, made the announcement Thursday, citing safety concerns. Last year Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were attacked in Amsterdam at a game against Ajax.

"The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision," Aston Villa said in a statement.

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Maccabi Tel Aviv FC supporters were reportedly the target of violence in Amsterdam before and during the soccer team’s match against Ajax last year. More than a dozen people have already been charged in connection with the violence, and several have already been convicted after a series of violent overnight incidents.

Pro-Palestine protesters have been a common fixture at Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in 2025.

Fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv stage a pro-Israel demonstration at the Dam Square, lighting up flares and chanting slogans ahead of the UEFA Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax in Amsterdam, Netherlands on November 7, 2024.  (Mouneb Taim/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Maccabi Tel Aviv's upcoming match against Aston Villa will be the team’s first away game in the Europa League since pro-Palestinian protests took place at the stadium in