Exclusive: Violent Maccabi Fans Linked to IDF, UK Police Found
Middle East Eye uncovered new intelligence that led to the ban on Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the Aston Villa match this week. According to information shared by Dutch authorities, more than 200 Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters who caused chaos in Amsterdam in November 2024 were reportedly connected to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Hundreds more were described as experienced fighters, well-organized, and determined to incite serious violence.
The ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans for the 6 November match in Birmingham sparked political controversy and was condemned by the British government as antisemitic. However, the West Midlands Police’s assessment, which justified the restriction, was based on the intelligence provided by Dutch counterparts concerning the supporters’ previous conduct in Amsterdam.
According to a report published by The Guardian on 21 October, the police concluded that the greatest threat of violent behavior stemmed from extremist fans associated with the Israeli club.
As the match drew closer, Middle East Eye revealed additional, previously undisclosed details from the police assessment, raising questions about statements made by some government officials. Only days before the fixture, both the police and Birmingham’s safety advisory group confirmed the continuation of the ban despite official criticism. In the end, Maccabi Tel Aviv chose not to sell match tickets to its supporters.
“Dutch police told their British counterparts that over 200 Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were linked to the Israel Defense Forces [IDF].”
Author’s Summary
The ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans was based on Dutch intelligence describing them as organized fighters linked to the IDF, provoking controversy and political debate in the UK.