Maccabi Tel Aviv Birmingham match sparks controversy | Israel Hayom

Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa Match Sparks Controversy in Birmingham

The upcoming football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa in Birmingham on Thursday has generated significant tension and public debate in England.

Police and Ticket Allocation Issues

British police have decided not to allocate 500 tickets to British Jewish fans for the match, effectively imposing a de facto ban. Despite this, many are expected to attend by other means, challenging the authorities' efforts to control attendance.

Josh Howie's Response

Josh Howie, a well-known comedian and television host of Jewish heritage, spoke out against the city and police policies on GB News shortly before the match. He declared his intention to attend as an act of protest, urging other Jewish fans to do the same in defense of British democracy.

“I am a British Jew, and on Thursday I am going to Birmingham to watch a football match!”
Howie condemned the “bullies” attempting “to ban Jews” from attending the match.

Pro-Palestinian Groups’ Position

Pro-Palestinian groups have promised a large turnout at the match, framing it as a significant event for their cause, adding to the charged atmosphere around the game.

Summary

The Maccabi Tel Aviv versus Aston Villa match in Birmingham has become a focal point of social and political tensions, involving police actions, activism from Jewish and pro-Palestinian groups, and public calls for democratic expression.

Author’s summary: The football match in Birmingham has ignited social tensions as police restrictions, activist protests, and community divisions converge around issues of identity and democracy.

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www.israelhayom.com www.israelhayom.com — 2025-11-03

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