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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Vikram Dodd Police and crime correspondent

Intelligence on ‘extreme’ Maccabi fans with history of violence led to Villa Park ban

Maccabi Tel Aviv fans setting off flares in Dam Square in Amsterdam
Dutch police required 5,000 officers across three days to deal with trouble instigated by Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in Amsterdam last year. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were banned from watching their game against Aston Villa after police intelligence concluded the biggest risk of violence came from extremist fans of the Israeli club.

The ban ignited an intense controversy and was criticised by the prime minister, as well as others claiming it was a surrender to antisemitism.

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