Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Friday, October 17, 2025
From the Liveblog of
Friday, October 17, 2025
UK government says working with police to ensure Maccabi Tel Aviv fans can attend Aston Villa game
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Maccabi Tel Aviv's fans clap hands after the end of the Europa League soccer match between PAOK and Maccabi Tel Aviv at Toumpa stadium, in Thessaloniki, Greece, September 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos)
The UK government says it is aiming to enable all fans to attend a soccer game between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv after outrage over a ban on the Israeli team’s supporters.
“The government is working with policing and other partners to do everything in our power to ensure this game can safely go ahead, with all fans present,” a government spokesperson says. “We are exploring what additional resources and support are required so all fans can attend.”
Birmingham-based Villa said yesterday that the club had been informed by the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), responsible for issuing certificates for matches, that no away fans would be permitted at the Europa League game on November 6.
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