The chief executive of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv says it is incredibly sad away fans have been banned from his side's Europa League match at Aston Villa.
Politics should never be drawn into football, Jack Angelides told BBC Sport.
Last month, the local Safety Advisory Group - responsible for issuing safety certificates for matches - informed Villa that no travelling fans would be allowed to attend the fixture in Birmingham, causing a significant backlash.
Angelides commented on the situation, stating, It has become a political issue and we are not just a pawn in a political game, we're a football club. Our focus is managing a football club and playing football, not to get entangled in political matters. He expressed concerns about the implications of this decision, noting that it detracts from the excitement surrounding European matches.
Angelides conveyed the sentiment that the narrative surrounding Maccabi Tel Aviv and its supporters seems to perpetuate myths, negatively impacting the club's image and fans' experiences.
Security concerns stemmed from a previous incident involving violent clashes during a UEFA Europa League match in Amsterdam, leading to a high-risk classification for the fixture against Aston Villa. Increased police presence, anticipated protests, and security measures were established in anticipation of the match.
Pro-Palestinian organizations are planning a significant protest during the match, advocating against Israeli participation in international sports due to the ongoing conflicts in the region.
Despite the challenges, Angelides expressed confidence in his squad's preparation and readiness to compete without the backing of traveling fans.
