Violent Maccabi Fans Linked to IDF, UK Police Reveal
Middle East Eye (MEE) has obtained intelligence that led to the ban on Israeli football fans from Maccabi Tel Aviv attending the Aston Villa game in Birmingham. Dutch police informed their UK counterparts that over 200 Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters, involved in violent incidents in Amsterdam in November 2024, were “linked to the Israel Defense Forces [IDF]”. Additionally, hundreds more fans were described as “experienced fighters,” “highly organised,” and “intent on causing serious violence.”
Background of the Ban
On 6 November, fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv were banned from attending the football match against Aston Villa, sparking political controversy. The British government condemned the ban as antisemitic last month. However, the decision was based on an intelligence assessment by West Midlands Police, informed by Dutch law enforcement observations during the previous Amsterdam match.
Details from Police Assessment
The Guardian previously reported that police concluded “the biggest risk of violence came from extremist fans of the Israeli club.” New information from MEE reveals further insights from this assessment, raising questions about official government statements. Despite criticism from ministers, the ban was upheld by police and Birmingham's safety advisory group. Maccabi Tel Aviv also chose not to release tickets to their fans for the game.
“More than 200 Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans who wreaked havoc in Amsterdam were linked to the Israel Defense Forces [IDF]. Hundreds more were experienced fighters, highly organised and intent on causing serious violence.”
“The biggest risk of violence came from extremist fans of the Israeli club.”
Summary
The decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Aston Villa game was grounded on detailed intelligence linking them to the IDF and organised violent behavior, despite political backlash and accusations of antisemitism.
Author's summary: Intelligence reveals Maccabi Tel Aviv fans involved in organized violent actions linked to IDF, justifying UK police's controversial ban amid political disputes.
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