Downing Street has thrown its weight behind Aston Villa's upcoming Europa Conference League encounter with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, despite growing political tensions in the region.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's official spokesman confirmed on Tuesday that the government supports the match proceeding as scheduled, while acknowledging the "understandable concerns" surrounding the fixture's security arrangements.
Government Stance on European Football
The statement comes amid heightened security measures for the Group E clash scheduled for Thursday evening at Villa Park. European football's governing body, UEFA, has maintained that Israeli clubs should continue competing in continental competitions despite the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
"We are in close contact with relevant authorities regarding the security arrangements for this match," the Prime Minister's spokesman stated during a regular media briefing. "We fully support the decision for the game to proceed as planned."
Security Measures and Fan Safety
West Midlands Police have implemented comprehensive security protocols for the high-profile fixture, with additional measures expected to ensure the safety of all players, staff, and spectators.
The government's endorsement follows similar backing for other European matches involving Israeli teams, including Brighton's recent Europa League fixture against AEK Athens, which proceeded without incident despite initial security concerns.
Political Context and Sporting Integrity
The spokesman emphasised the importance of maintaining sporting integrity while acknowledging the complex political backdrop. "There are understandable concerns about the situation in Israel and Gaza," he noted, "but we believe football should continue to serve as a unifying force where possible."
Aston Villa currently sits second in their European group, making Thursday's match crucial for their progression ambitions in the competition.
