Away fans banned as police brace for Villa Park clash between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv
Authorities barred away fans from attending the Europa League match at Villa Park.
Additionally, Issouf Sissokho, the Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder, urged his teammates to make their supporters smile.
Safety grounds prompted the ban on away supporters.
Meanwhile, West Midlands police will use Section 60 stop and search powers for the night.
Ahead of kickoff, officials plan to deploy more than 700 officers around Villa Park to manage protests.
Ultimately, the match tests Villa’s evolving approach under Unai Emery.
Immediately, Sissokho urged teammates to keep their supporters smiling.
Nevertheless, the night will test discipline and composure for both sides.
As Emery’s Villa have grown with structured possession and tighter pressing, the night should suit their style.
Therefore, fans and players hope the result follows the plan rather than tension.
- Away fans banned from the Europa League match at Villa Park for safety reasons.
- Police have Section 60 stop and search powers and will deploy around 700 officers.
- Sissokho urged teammates to lift spirits ahead of the clash.
Issouf Sissokho
Maccabi Tel Aviv