Aston Villa take on Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League on Thursday, with a bizarre atmosphere likely at Villa Park.
With Maccabi Tel Aviv fans banned from attending on 6 November due to safety concerns, Unai Emery has made changes to his team, hoping for three points.
Birmingham Perry Barr MP Ayoub Khan had called for Villa vs Tel Aviv to be cancelled back in September due to Israel’s conflict with Palestine, but that didn’t happen.
Alan Sugar and Piers Morgan both believe that the decision had nothing to do with so-called hooliganism, with a heightened Police presence spotted hours before kick-off at Villa Park.
Protests spotted outside Villa Park before Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
Ticket checks have been in place all night ahead of the game, with pro-Palestine underway opposite the Trinity Road Stand at Aston Villa.
Keith Hackett has insisted that, despite the disappointment of no away fans being allowed to attend, police and security have acted on intelligence to be on top alert for any trouble.
The ex-FIFA-listed official also revealed that a UEFA match delegate will be present and in direct contact with his HQ in Nyon to keep them updated with possible footage, too.
“It has to be disappointing that away fans are unable to attend any game,” Hackett said.
“The police and security people have no doubt acted on intelligence, and that is why a few weeks ago they decided to ban away fans from attending this game.
“Politicians, including the Prime Minister, did not support that decision. However, they were unable to get the ban lifted.
“With the focus of the football world watching this game, the Police, along with the club security, are on top alert to do everything that the game passes without incident.
“Checks at the gates and hopefully with the spectators will avoid in-game protests. A UEFA Match Delegate armed with his camera and direct contact with UEFA HQ at Nyon to keep them updated.“
What could happen during Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv?
There have been many instances of protesting and pitch invasions in recent years, with Just Stop Oil a regular feature in England recently.
The most famous of those incidents would be the individual who zip-tied himself to the goalposts at Goodison Park as Everton entertained Newcastle in 2022.
Hackett believes that officials will once again be wary of possible protests and invasions on the pitch at Villa Park on 6 November.
He added: “The Match Officials will also be prepared to deal with any invasion or protest.”
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The post Hackett Exclusive: UEFA delegate to be in contact with Nyon HQ as footage emerges before Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv appeared first on Villa News.
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