Maccabi Tel Aviv's Villa Park Ban explained
When Maccabi Tel Aviv were drawn to face Aston Villa in the Europa League, the fixture immediately stood out.
The prospect of an Israeli team travelling to play a club based in a predominantly Muslim area prompted concerns from those in charge of ensuring the fixture passes off safely.
Six weeks ago, there was even a chance the game might not go ahead, with calls for Israeli teams to be removed from international competitions because of the Israel-Gaza war.
But once a ceasefire was agreed last month, it became clear Maccabi - the only Israeli club to reach the league stage of European competition this season - would stay in the Europa League, and travel to Birmingham.
