In a shocking twist, Israeli giants Maccabi Tel Aviv have refused to send any supporters to their November 6 clash against Aston Villa in Birmingham. The club cited safety fears after far-right activist Tommy Robinson vowed to “defend” their fans, sparking serious security concerns.

Tommy Robinson’s Toxic Backing Sparks Fan Ban

British officials slammed West Midlands Police’s ban on away fans as “antisemitic” and promised a swift reversal. But Maccabi themselves decided the situation was too risky. Robinson — aka Stephen Yaxley-Lennon — has been stoking tensions by urging protests against so-called “Islamist activists” and flaunting Maccabi gear. His criminal past and far-right links only added fuel to the fire.

“The risk posed by anti-Israel protesters was high, but the game changed when Tommy Robinson got involved,” a club source told Jewish News. “We feared our fans may be falsely linked to his far-right antics amid hostile crowds. With his supporters potentially impersonating Maccabi fans in Birmingham, the danger became unacceptable.”

Amsterdam Riots Haunt Maccabi’s Reputation

The Birmingham match was flagged high-risk after last year’s violent chaos in Amsterdam. Maccabi fans sparked riots during a Europa League clash with Ajax, wielding sticks and stones and singing vile racist chants like “fuck the Arabs.” They also tore Palestinian flags down the streets.

Amsterdam city officials banned Maccabi from returning following the mayhem. Yet British media initially gave the fans the benefit of the doubt, only to be forced into backtracking as evidence of the violence emerged.

Contradictions and Controversies Plague the Match

• Israeli police scrapped a domestic derby due to violence, even as UK ministers pushed for Maccabi away fans to attend in Birmingham.
• Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy claimed the ban was “choosing exclusion” of Jews, despite prior away fan bans in the UK.
• West Midlands Police cited documented Maccabi violence, not just attacks against them, as grounds for the high-risk tag.
• Government officials accused unnamed groups of “weaponising” the fixture to stir division, while ignoring Robinson’s dangerous role.

Maccabi’s official statement condemned “divisive figures who do not represent our club’s values,” clearly hinting at Robinson. Yet the club simultaneously downplayed its fans’ violent behaviour as mere “isolated incidents exploited for political ends.”

As it stands, no away fans will travel to Birmingham, pleasing no one. Police concerns about security proved valid, but the political backlash brands the move antisemitic. Meanwhile, the club reluctantly backed the ban they once opposed, highlighting a messy, toxic saga where football, politics, and extremism collide.