LONDON: West Midlands Police have said their decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending the club’s Europa League fixture against Aston Villa on Thursday was based on intelligence suggesting “significant levels of hooliganism” among a section of the Israeli club’s fan base, rather than concerns about threats to Israeli fans. Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce told Sky News that the move, which drew criticism from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and several MPs, was taken solely on safety grounds following an assessment of risks surrounding the match.

Residents and business owners living around Aston Villa’s stadium have expressed anxieties before the club’s Europa League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv

There will be a huge police presence when Aston Villa face Maccabi Tel-Aviv, but what's the issue and what might happen?