Away supporters barred for Villa's match against Tel Aviv over safety

Aston Villa have been told that no away supporters will be permitted at their Europa League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 6 after local safety authorities classified the fixture as high risk, officials said. The Safety Advisory Group advised the club and UEFA against allocating tickets to travelling fans following an assessment by West Midlands Police, which cited current intelligence and previous incidents as the basis for the recommendation.

Aston Villa confirmed it had been formally informed of the decision and said it remained in contact with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities. The club said the Safety Advisory Group issues safety certificates for matches at Villa Park based on a number of physical and safety factors and that the SAG had written to both the club and UEFA to advise no away supporters be admitted for this fixture.

West Midlands Police said the classification followed a thorough assessment and stressed the need to balance the public's right to protest with the duty to ensure public safety. In a statement the force said, "We are committed to delivering fair and impartial policing, while balancing the public's right to protest with our duty to...