Exclusive: Violent Maccabi fans were organised fighters 'linked to IDF', UK police found

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 match this week. 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]."

Furthermore, hundreds more fans were described as "experienced fighters," "highly organised," and "intent on causing serious violence," according to MEE's sources.

Background and Political Reaction

The recent ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the 6 November fixture at Aston Villa in Birmingham sparked political controversy. Last month, the British government condemned the decision, calling it antisemitic.

Police Intelligence and Assessment

The ban was based on intelligence provided by Dutch authorities concerning the behavior of Maccabi fans at a match in Amsterdam the previous November. The Guardian reported on 21 October that the police assessment "concluded the biggest risk of violence came from extremist fans of the Israeli club."

New Details and Continuing Debate

As the match date approached, MEE disclosed new aspects of the police assessment not previously reported. These details raise further questions about the statements made by government ministers regarding the ban.

"The biggest risk of violence came from extremist fans of the Israeli club,"

— Police assessment cited by The Guardian

Days after government criticism, the police and Birmingham's safety advisory group upheld the ban on Maccabi fans. Eventually, Maccabi Tel Aviv chose not to sell tickets to its supporters for the match.

Author's summary: New police intelligence links violent Maccabi Tel Aviv fans to the IDF and describes them as organized fighters, justifying the UK ban amid political controversy.

Middle East Eye — 2025-11-04