VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta Police have pledged to take “all necessary measures” to ensure safety during Tuesday’s UEFA Europa League qualifier between Ħamrun Spartans and Maccabi Tel Aviv, amid mounting pressure from activist groups and the Palestinian ambassador.
Security forces will increase presence at Ta’ Qali National Stadium and take action against offensive chants or disruptions. Authorities also confirmed they will enforce international arrest warrants if needed and may consider further restrictions should public order be at risk.
The match has triggered strong opposition from Maltese civil society, including Ġustizzja għall-Palestina, Watermelon Warriors, and Palestinian advocacy groups. They argue that hosting the Israeli team, while Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, sends a dangerous message of impunity.
In an open letter, the groups criticized UEFA’s continued accommodation of Israeli clubs without scrutiny. They pointed to past violent incidents involving Maccabi fans in Amsterdam and Athens and condemned UEFA’s “selective enforcement” of political symbolism in football.
Palestinian Ambassador to Malta Fadi Hanania added his voice, calling for “a moment of moral clarity.” He urged European football bodies to stop allowing sport to whitewash violations of international law and highlighted the destruction of Palestinian sports infrastructure in Gaza, where over 300 athletes have reportedly been killed.
“It’s not just about one match,” the activists insisted, “but about a pattern of complicity.”
The match is scheduled to proceed Tuesday evening at Ta’ Qali, though it remains unclear how many Maccabi fans will attend.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS)
