UK says Israeli football fans were linked to defense forces

British police were warned by Dutch authorities that hundreds of Maccabi Tel Aviv football supporters involved in clashes in Amsterdam in November 2024 were linked to the Israeli military and planned to cause extreme violence, according to an exclusive report by Middle East Eye on November 4th.

The revelation sheds new light on the West Midlands Police decision to bar Maccabi fans from attending the match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa on November 6th 2025, a move that drew condemnation from the UK government.

Intelligence shared by Dutch police stated that “over 200” supporters were linked to the Defense Forces (IDF), while a further 500 to 600 were described as “experienced fighters” who were “highly organised” and “intent on serious violence.” Dutch officers also reported that these groups “actively participated in demonstrations and confrontations,” resulting in disturbances within Amsterdam.

The West Midlands Police assessment, which relied on this intelligence, concluded that the risk of violence at the Birmingham match was significant. Despite government criticism, both local police and Birmingham’s safety advisory group upheld the ban.

The findings directly contradict claims made by UK ministers. The Guardian reported on October 21st that the police identified extremist supporters of the Israeli football club as the main security concern. The UK’s culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, criticised the move arguing in parliament that it unfairly targeted Israeli and Jewish fans.

Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn challenged Nandy’s remarks, accusing the government of “distorting the facts for political ends.” He told Middle East Eye: “They lied to the British public and they have been caught out.”

West Midlands police reports detailed that, ahead of the Amsterdam fixture, Maccabi fans “intentionally targeted Muslim communities,” committing hate-motivated crimes such as assaults on Muslim cab drivers and the destruction of Palestinian flags. Clashes between Maccabi supporters and purported pro-Palestinian demonstrators resulted in “running street battles” and widespread vandalism.

Amsterdam City Council has since prohibited the club from playing in the city, citing the disorder.

In response to questions about the upcoming Birmingham match, West Midlands Police referred to a statement from Commander Tom Joyce, who said the force’s priority was to ensure safety and “facilitate peaceful protest.”

Over 700 officers have been deployed for an operation for the upcoming match, with large-scale demonstrations expected from pro-Palestinian groups protesting Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza and the occupation of Palestinian territories.

Middle East Eye, The Guardian, The Independent, Maghrebi.org