Exclusive: Violent Maccabi Fans Were Organised Fighters Linked to IDF, UK Police Found
Middle East Eye (MEE) reveals new intelligence that led to the ban on Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Aston Villa game in November 2025. Dutch police informed their British counterparts that over 200 Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters who caused chaos in Amsterdam in November 2024 were "linked to the Israel Defense Forces [IDF]." Additionally, hundreds more were described as "experienced fighters," "highly organised," and "intent on causing serious violence."
The ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans at the 6 November match in Birmingham sparked political controversy and was denounced as antisemitic by the British government last month. However, the West Midlands Police decision was based on intelligence from Dutch police regarding the behavior of Maccabi fans during a November 2024 Amsterdam match.
The Guardian reported on 21 October that the police concluded "the biggest risk of violence came from extremist fans of the Israeli club."
As the match date approached, MEE disclosed additional previously unreported details of the police assessment, raising further questions about government ministers' claims. This announcement came just days after the police and Birmingham's safety advisory group upheld the ban—despite government criticism—while Maccabi Tel Aviv ultimately chose not to sell tickets to its fans for the fixture.
"Over 200 Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans who wreaked havoc in Amsterdam in November 2024 were linked to the Israel Defense Forces [IDF], and 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."
Author's summary: New intelligence connects violent Maccabi Tel Aviv fans to the IDF, justifying a UK ban amid political disputes and concerns over organised hooliganism.