UEFA talks held to avoid Aston Villa crisis in upcoming Europa League match – Keith Hackett
Aston Villa’s Europa League campaign kicks off against Bologna next week.
It will be the first time the Villans have played in the competition since 2011, when they were eliminated in the qualifying rounds after a 4-3 loss on aggregate to Rapid Vienna.
The competition offers an ideal opportunity for Villa to get off the mark, with Unai Emery’s side still winless after they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup against Brentford.
Aston Villa’s season has now hit another bump in the road, after concerns regarding their Europa League campaign have emerged.
This article contains exclusive comments from former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett.
UEFA hold meeting as MP Ayoub Khan calls on Maccabi Tel Aviv match to be cancelled
Ayoub Khan, MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, has called for UEFA, the UK Culture Minister, and the club itself to cancel Aston Villa’s Europa League fixture against Maccabi Tel Aviv on 6 November at Villa Park.
In a video on X, Khan has asked for the game not to go ahead due to concerns around the conflict in Israel.
Khan’s post says: “We are calling on UEFA, the UK Culture Minister, and the club itself to urgently cancel this fixture or take immediate steps to ensure public safety and community harmony.”
He goes on to call out Tel Aviv supporters, who were seen pulling Palestinian flags from houses when they played Ajax last November.
Supporters were heard making racist chants against Arabs, and former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes UEFA will have put things in place to ensure the same doesn’t happen at Villa Park in November.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Hackett said: “Firstly, I think that the MP has channels of communication within Parliament to raise his objections.
“UEFA will no doubt have considered the implications of conflict. However, UEFA and FIFA rarely get involved in any political situation.
“One aspect is, of course, to sanction any player who has a political statement in an undergarment.
“All clubs in UEFA competitions have a responsibility for the safety and welfare of players, match officials, and club officials. Fans are also included in their considerations.
“I have no doubt that the clubs, Local Authorities, Police. Stewards will have had several meetings with regards to this game and make the necessary plans to ensure that the game goes ahead.“
Aston Villa have the upper hand in the Europa League
Aston Villa were unlucky to miss out on Champions League football last season after Morgan Rogers’ goal against Manchester United was controversially ruled out.
Having made it to the quarter-finals of the competition last season, they will have the upper hand in an easier contest.
Aston Villa’s run to the quarter-finals of the Champions League:
- Finished in the top eight of the league phase
- Aston Villa beat Club Brugge 3-1 away in the first leg of the round of 16. They went on to win 3-0 at home
- Emery’s side lost 3-1 away at the Parc des Princes and won 3-2 at home
Emery’s side continue to be unconvincing in the league, with Aston Villa’s 0-0 draw with Everton a disappointment.
However, the Europa League will be a welcome relief from the grueling Premier League.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Aston Villa news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @villanews247