Maccabi Tel Aviv manager Zarko Lazetic has said it is sad his side's supporters have been banned from attending the Europa League clash with Aston Villa as a major security kicks into gear.

The league phase match at Villa Park has become a major political issue after the Israeli club's supporters were banned from attending due to fears over their safety.

The decision was made by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group, with Villa having no involvement, but it sparked a parliamentary-level debate as prime minister Sir Keir Starmer called it "wrong."

Maccabi subsequently said they would decline any tickets if the decision was reversed.

Lazetic was keen to keep the focus on the football but agreed it would have been better if his side had their allocation of around 2,000 supporters insid

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