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The Government said the Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv match had been "weaponised" after the Israeli side said they would not take up an away ticket allocation .

The move would appear to end the row which saw next month's Europa League match at Villa Park used as a political football.

It began when a multi-agency body decided that Maccabi fans would not be allowed at the match for safety reasons, a decision publicly endorsed by West Midlands Police .

READ MORE: Maccabi Tel Aviv Villa Park fan ban set to stand after Israeli club's decision

But it was condemned by politicians of several colours from the Prime Minister downwards., a stance that appeared to remain in place even after the Tel Aviv derby between Maccabi and rivals Hapoel was called off last weekend over rioting w

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