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VIDEO SHOWS: HIGHLIGHTS FROM ATP250 NORDIC OPEN QUARTER-FINALS WITH WINS FOR HOLGER RUNE, CASPER RUUD AND UGO HUMBERT COMPLETE SCRIPT TO FOLLOW SHOWS: STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN (OCTOBER 17, 2025) (APT MEDIA/IMG – See restrictions) HOLGER RUNE V TOMAS MARTIN ETCHEVERRY SEBASTIAN KORDA V CASPER RUUD UGO HUMBERT V LORENZO SONEGO STORY: TO FOLLOW (Production: Conal Quinn)

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VIDEO SHOWS: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE NINGBO OPEN QUARTERFINALS – WINS FOR JASMINE PAOLINI, ELENA RYBAKINA AND EKATERINA ALEXANDROVA SHOWS: NINGBO, CHINA (OCTOBER 17, 2025) (WTA/DAZN – See restrictions) BELINDA BENCIC (SWITZERLAND / WHITE CAP) V JASMINE PAOLINI (ITALY) 1. TOSS FIRST SET 2. BELINDA BENCIC WINS POINT WITH FOREHAND WINNER 3. JASMINE PAOLINI HITS FOREHAND WINNER 4. BENCIC TAKES SET AS PAOLINI SHANKS BACKHAND RETURN / CROWD CHEERING SECOND SET 5. PAOLINI’S WINS POINT AS HER BACKHAND FALLS WIDE OF BENCIC’S REACH 6. PAOLINI’S TEAM CHEERING 7. FOREHAND WINNER BY PAOLINI 8. PAOLINI TAKES SET AS BENCIC NETS BACKHAND / PAOLINI CELEBRATING THIRD SET 9. FOREHAND WINNER BY PAOLINI 10. PAOLINI WINS MATCH AS BENCIC NETS BACKHAND RETURN 11. PAOLINI CELEBRATING WITH SMILES 12. PLAYERS EMBRACE AT THE NET ELENA RYBAKINA (KAZAKHSTAN /WHITE DRESS) V AJLA TOMLJANOVIC (AUSTRALIA / NAVY BLUE) 13. TOSS FIRST SET 14. ELENA RYBAKINA HITS FOREHAND WINNER 15. AJLA TOMLJANOVIC HITS RETURN WINNER 16. RYBAKINA TAKES SET WITH BIG FOREHAND SECOND SET 17. RYBAKINA HITS FOREHAND WINNER 18. BACKHAND PUTAWAY BY RYBAKINA / CROWD CHEERING 19. FOREHAND WINNER BY RYBAKINA 20. RYBAKINA WINS MATCH AS TOMLJANOVIC DOUBLE FAULTS 21. PLAYERS MEET AT THE NET AND SHAKE HANDS WITH UMPIRE 22. VARIOUS OF RYBAKINA WAVING TO CROWD EKATERINA ALEXANDROVA (RUSSIA/WHITE DRESS) V MCCARTNEY KESSLER (USA / BLUE DRESS) FIRST SET 23. BACKHAND WINNER BY KESSLER 24. EKATERINA ALEXANDROVA TAKES SET AS MCCARTNEY KESSLER NETS BACKHAND SECOND SET 25. FOREHAND WINNER BY KESSLER 26. BACKHAND VOLLEY BY KESSLER 27. ALEXANDROVA WINS MATCH AS KESSLER’S BACKHAND GOES WIDE 28. PLAYERS MEET AT THE NET 29. ALEXANDROVA TAKING APPLAUSE AND WAVING TO CROWD STORY: Italian second seed Jasmine Paolini kept her hopes of qualifying for the WTA Finals alive with a gritty comeback win over Belinda Bencic, beating Switzerland's Tokyo Olympic gold medallist 5-7 7-5 6-3 in the Ningbo Open quarter-finals on Friday (October 17). Paolini will face third-seed Elena Rybakina in the semis, after the Russian-born Kazakh took less than an hour to beat Ajla Tomljanovic 6-2 6-0 later in the day. Twice Grand Slam finalist Paolini needs a win over Rybakina in the last four to qualify for next month's WTA Finals in Riyadh. The contest against Bencic at the WTA 500 hardcourt tournament, which lasted a marathon three hours and 22 minutes, marked the longest match of Paolini's season. Bencic, 28, served for the match at 5-4 in the second set but was unable to close it out. Her momentum was further interrupted in the deciding set when she took a medical time-out due to a thigh issue while trailing 4-3. Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys have all qualified for the season-ending championship of the WTA Tour in Riyadh, with two spots still up for grabs. Rybakina also remained in contention for a place at the WTA Finals, as she landed seven aces while a struggling Tomljanovic made nine double faults. Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina has now won 50 matches on the tour this year and qualified for seven semi-finals. Russian fourth seed Ekaterina Alexandrova brushed aside American McCartney Kessler 6-3 6-3. Alexandrova will next face the winner of the clash between local favourite Zhu Lin and seventh seed Diana Shnaider. (Production: Bhagya Ayyavoo)

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VIDEO SHOWS: HIGHLIGHTS FROM ATP250 ALMATY OPEN QUARTER-FINAL ACTION – WINS FOR DANIIL MEDVEDEV, JAMES DUCKWORTH AND ALEX MICHELSEN COMPLETE SCRIPT TO FOLLOW SHOWS: ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN (OCTOBER 17, 2025) (ATP MEDIA/IMG – See restrictions before use) SHOTLIST TO FOLLOW STORY: TO FOLLOW

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

VIDEO SHOWS: HIGHLIGHTS FROM ATP250 ALMATY OPEN QUARTER-FINAL ACTION – WINS FOR DANIIL MEDVEDEV, JAMES DUCKWORTH AND ALEX MICHELSEN COMPLETE SCRIPT TO FOLLOW SHOWS: ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN (OCTOBER 17, 2025) (ATP MEDIA/IMG – See restrictions before use) SHOTLIST TO FOLLOW STORY: TO FOLLOW

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

VIDEO SHOWS: B-ROLL OUTSIDE ASTON VILLA'S VILLA PARK/ SOUNDBITES FROM BIRMINGHAM RESIDENTS ON VILLA NOT ALLOWING MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS TO ATTEND THEIR EUROPA LEAGUE MATCH/ B-ROLL OF BIRMINGHAM COMPLETE SCRIPT TO FOLLOW SHOWS: BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (OCTOBER 17, 2025) (REUTERS – Access all) 1. EXTERIOR OF VILLA PARK 2. UNION FLAG FLYING OUTSIDE VILLA PARK 3. ASTON VILLA BADGE ON STADIUM EXTERIOR 4. WIDE SHOT OF VILLA PARK  5. ENGLAND FLAG DRAPED ON LION 6. EXTERIOR OF STADIUM 7. WIDE OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 8. CLOSE -UP OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 9. BANNER ON LAMPOST READING (English) "All of my heroes are Villans" 10. MURAL COMMEMORATING VILLA'S 1982 EUROPEAN CUP TRIUMPH 11. CLOSE UP OF MURAL 12. WIDE OF STAND AND PART OF STADIUM INTERIOR 13. CLOSE UP OF SEATS 14. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOOTBALL FAN, JACK DEATHRIDGE, SAYING:     "Well, I'm a bit surprised because we don't usually stop people from exercising their free will, I suppose. But I mean, I see what they're trying to do because it's very true. It might not be safe for them because, you know, there is a lot of stigma at the moment." 15. VARIOUS OF PEDESTRIANS WALKING IN BIRMINGHAM 16. SECURITY CAMERA 17.  (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOOTBALL FAN, JACK DEATHRIDGE SAYING:     'I mean, obviously I'm concerned for their safety, but I think… I think it's up to them if they want to come here, really, I suppose. We shouldn't make the decision for them." 18. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ASTON VILLA FAN ORIGINALLY FROM PALESTINE, ANNAS AHMED, SAYING: JOURNALIST ASKING: "Do you think Birmingham is safe? Do you think Aston Villa is safe?" ANNAS AHMED SAYING: "I think no. I think not safe." JOURNALIST ASKING: "Why?" ANNAS AHMED SAYING: "Because of the war, you know that. Yeah, this area (has a) war now.  I think not safe." 19. VARIOUS OF PEDESTRIANS IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE 20. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BIRMINGHAM STUDENT, VICTOR ADEWMI, SAYING:     "I do understand, but at the end of the day, that's up to the person to decide because there's risk involved in anything. If I'm to go to a place that's, you know, maybe not a lot of people of my colour are, you know, welcome to.  At the end of the day, no one can really say to me, I can't go there. That's my decision. And if something does go wrong, it's only me that can, you know, put my hands up and say, 'hey, I'm going to have to hold that on my head.' But you can't really… you can safeguard, but banning people from going to a football game, I think that's kind of where you start crossing lines and stuff, you know." 21. PEDESTRIANS IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE 22. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BIRMINGHAM FOOTBALL FAN, NAJEEB MUHAMMED, ON WHETHER THE MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO TRAVEL, SAYING:     "I think that football should be watched by everyone. I'm like, it's like a sport that everyone loves. And, yeah, man, I think it's like, I think they should. I think they should (be able to attend)." 23. WIDE OF VILLA PARK EXTERIOR 24. PAN OF ASTON VILLA SIGN  25. CLOSE UP OF ASTON VILLA BADGE 26. SIGN READING (English) "Where our heroes are Villans" 27. PULL FOCUS SHOT OF SECURITY CAMERA ONTO ASTON VILLA FLAG 28. VARIOUS OF LION ON PLINTH 29. WIDE OF VILLA PARK STORY: No away supporters will be allowed to attend Aston Villa's home Europa League clash with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 6 after police raised public safety concerns about potential protests, the Premier League club said on Thursday (October 17). The move comes after there were protests at the Israel national team's World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy, with police using tear gas on protesters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Oslo and Udine. Villa said they were following instructions from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), who are responsible for issuing safety certificates for games at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors. "Following a meeting this afternoon, the SAG have formally written to the club and UEFA to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture," Villa said in a statement. "West Midlands Police have advised the SAG that they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night. "The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision." Reuters has contacted Maccabi Tel Aviv for comment. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the announcement. "This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets," Starmer said on X. "The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation." UEFA said it wanted fans to be able to travel and support their team in a "safe, secure and welcoming environment". "(UEFA) encourages both teams and the competent authorities to agree on the implementation of appropriate measures necessary to allow this to happen," UEFA said. "In all cases, the competent local authorities remain responsible for decisions related to the safety and security of matches taking place on their territory, such decisions being determined on the basis of thorough risk assessments, which vary from match to match and take into consideration previous circumstances." Villa are third in the Europa League standings while Maccabi Tel Aviv are 30th after two rounds. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described Villa's announcement as a "shameful decision" on X. "I call on the UK authorities to reverse this coward decision," Saar wrote. Global soccer body FIFA has faced repeated calls to act over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials pressing for Israel to be suspended from international football. The issue has been under review by FIFA for months, but no decision has yet been taken, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino consistently saying such matters require consensus with the confederations and must be handled with caution. Earlier this month, FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani said Israel's continued participation in international football has to be dealt with first and foremost by UEFA. UEFA appeared poised for an emergency vote on suspending Israel from European competition last month but reportedly held off on a proposed vote following the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in the region. (Production: Gerhard Mey, Oliver Regan, Conal Quinn)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

VIDEO SHOWS: B-ROLL OUTSIDE ASTON VILLA'S VILLA PARK/ SOUNDBITES FROM BIRMINGHAM RESIDENTS ON VILLA NOT ALLOWING MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS TO ATTEND THEIR EUROPA LEAGUE MATCH/ B-ROLL OF BIRMINGHAM COMPLETE SCRIPT TO FOLLOW SHOWS: BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (OCTOBER 17, 2025) (REUTERS – Access all) 1. EXTERIOR OF VILLA PARK 2. UNION FLAG FLYING OUTSIDE VILLA PARK 3. ASTON VILLA BADGE ON STADIUM EXTERIOR 4. WIDE SHOT OF VILLA PARK  5. ENGLAND FLAG DRAPED ON LION 6. EXTERIOR OF STADIUM 7. WIDE OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 8. CLOSE -UP OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 9. BANNER ON LAMPOST READING (English) "All of my heroes are Villans" 10. MURAL COMMEMORATING VILLA'S 1982 EUROPEAN CUP TRIUMPH 11. CLOSE UP OF MURAL 12. WIDE OF STAND AND PART OF STADIUM INTERIOR 13. CLOSE UP OF SEATS 14. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOOTBALL FAN, JACK DEATHRIDGE, SAYING:     "Well, I'm a bit surprised because we don't usually stop people from exercising their free will, I suppose. But I mean, I see what they're trying to do because it's very true. It might not be safe for them because, you know, there is a lot of stigma at the moment." 15. VARIOUS OF PEDESTRIANS WALKING IN BIRMINGHAM 16. SECURITY CAMERA 17.  (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOOTBALL FAN, JACK DEATHRIDGE SAYING:     'I mean, obviously I'm concerned for their safety, but I think… I think it's up to them if they want to come here, really, I suppose. We shouldn't make the decision for them." 18. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ASTON VILLA FAN ORIGINALLY FROM PALESTINE, ANNAS AHMED, SAYING: JOURNALIST ASKING: "Do you think Birmingham is safe? Do you think Aston Villa is safe?" ANNAS AHMED SAYING: "I think no. I think not safe." JOURNALIST ASKING: "Why?" ANNAS AHMED SAYING: "Because of the war, you know that. Yeah, this area (has a) war now.  I think not safe." 19. VARIOUS OF PEDESTRIANS IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE 20. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BIRMINGHAM STUDENT, VICTOR ADEWMI, SAYING:     "I do understand, but at the end of the day, that's up to the person to decide because there's risk involved in anything. If I'm to go to a place that's, you know, maybe not a lot of people of my colour are, you know, welcome to.  At the end of the day, no one can really say to me, I can't go there. That's my decision. And if something does go wrong, it's only me that can, you know, put my hands up and say, 'hey, I'm going to have to hold that on my head.' But you can't really… you can safeguard, but banning people from going to a football game, I think that's kind of where you start crossing lines and stuff, you know." 21. PEDESTRIANS IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE 22. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BIRMINGHAM FOOTBALL FAN, NAJEEB MUHAMMED, ON WHETHER THE MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO TRAVEL, SAYING:     "I think that football should be watched by everyone. I'm like, it's like a sport that everyone loves. And, yeah, man, I think it's like, I think they should. I think they should (be able to attend)." 23. WIDE OF VILLA PARK EXTERIOR 24. PAN OF ASTON VILLA SIGN  25. CLOSE UP OF ASTON VILLA BADGE 26. SIGN READING (English) "Where our heroes are Villans" 27. PULL FOCUS SHOT OF SECURITY CAMERA ONTO ASTON VILLA FLAG 28. VARIOUS OF LION ON PLINTH 29. WIDE OF VILLA PARK STORY: No away supporters will be allowed to attend Aston Villa's home Europa League clash with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 6 after police raised public safety concerns about potential protests, the Premier League club said on Thursday (October 17). The move comes after there were protests at the Israel national team's World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy, with police using tear gas on protesters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Oslo and Udine. Villa said they were following instructions from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), who are responsible for issuing safety certificates for games at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors. "Following a meeting this afternoon, the SAG have formally written to the club and UEFA to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture," Villa said in a statement. "West Midlands Police have advised the SAG that they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night. "The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision." Reuters has contacted Maccabi Tel Aviv for comment. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the announcement. "This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets," Starmer said on X. "The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation." UEFA said it wanted fans to be able to travel and support their team in a "safe, secure and welcoming environment". "(UEFA) encourages both teams and the competent authorities to agree on the implementation of appropriate measures necessary to allow this to happen," UEFA said. "In all cases, the competent local authorities remain responsible for decisions related to the safety and security of matches taking place on their territory, such decisions being determined on the basis of thorough risk assessments, which vary from match to match and take into consideration previous circumstances." Villa are third in the Europa League standings while Maccabi Tel Aviv are 30th after two rounds. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described Villa's announcement as a "shameful decision" on X. "I call on the UK authorities to reverse this coward decision," Saar wrote. Global soccer body FIFA has faced repeated calls to act over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials pressing for Israel to be suspended from international football. The issue has been under review by FIFA for months, but no decision has yet been taken, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino consistently saying such matters require consensus with the confederations and must be handled with caution. Earlier this month, FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani said Israel's continued participation in international football has to be dealt with first and foremost by UEFA. UEFA appeared poised for an emergency vote on suspending Israel from European competition last month but reportedly held off on a proposed vote following the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in the region. (Production: Gerhard Mey, Oliver Regan, Conal Quinn)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

VIDEO SHOWS: B-ROLL OUTSIDE ASTON VILLA'S VILLA PARK/ SOUNDBITES FROM BIRMINGHAM RESIDENTS ON VILLA NOT ALLOWING MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS TO ATTEND THEIR EUROPA LEAGUE MATCH/ B-ROLL OF BIRMINGHAM COMPLETE SCRIPT TO FOLLOW SHOWS: BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (OCTOBER 17, 2025) (REUTERS – Access all) 1. EXTERIOR OF VILLA PARK 2. UNION FLAG FLYING OUTSIDE VILLA PARK 3. ASTON VILLA BADGE ON STADIUM EXTERIOR 4. WIDE SHOT OF VILLA PARK  5. ENGLAND FLAG DRAPED ON LION 6. EXTERIOR OF STADIUM 7. WIDE OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 8. CLOSE -UP OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 9. BANNER ON LAMPOST READING (English) "All of my heroes are Villans" 10. MURAL COMMEMORATING VILLA'S 1982 EUROPEAN CUP TRIUMPH 11. CLOSE UP OF MURAL 12. WIDE OF STAND AND PART OF STADIUM INTERIOR 13. CLOSE UP OF SEATS 14. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOOTBALL FAN, JACK DEATHRIDGE, SAYING:     "Well, I'm a bit surprised because we don't usually stop people from exercising their free will, I suppose. But I mean, I see what they're trying to do because it's very true. It might not be safe for them because, you know, there is a lot of stigma at the moment." 15. VARIOUS OF PEDESTRIANS WALKING IN BIRMINGHAM 16. SECURITY CAMERA 17.  (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOOTBALL FAN, JACK DEATHRIDGE SAYING:     'I mean, obviously I'm concerned for their safety, but I think… I think it's up to them if they want to come here, really, I suppose. We shouldn't make the decision for them." 18. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ASTON VILLA FAN ORIGINALLY FROM PALESTINE, ANNAS AHMED, SAYING: JOURNALIST ASKING: "Do you think Birmingham is safe? Do you think Aston Villa is safe?" ANNAS AHMED SAYING: "I think no. I think not safe." JOURNALIST ASKING: "Why?" ANNAS AHMED SAYING: "Because of the war, you know that. Yeah, this area (has a) war now.  I think not safe." 19. VARIOUS OF PEDESTRIANS IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE 20. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BIRMINGHAM STUDENT, VICTOR ADEWMI, SAYING:     "I do understand, but at the end of the day, that's up to the person to decide because there's risk involved in anything. If I'm to go to a place that's, you know, maybe not a lot of people of my colour are, you know, welcome to.  At the end of the day, no one can really say to me, I can't go there. That's my decision. And if something does go wrong, it's only me that can, you know, put my hands up and say, 'hey, I'm going to have to hold that on my head.' But you can't really… you can safeguard, but banning people from going to a football game, I think that's kind of where you start crossing lines and stuff, you know." 21. PEDESTRIANS IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE 22. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BIRMINGHAM FOOTBALL FAN, NAJEEB MUHAMMED, ON WHETHER THE MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO TRAVEL, SAYING:     "I think that football should be watched by everyone. I'm like, it's like a sport that everyone loves. And, yeah, man, I think it's like, I think they should. I think they should (be able to attend)." 23. WIDE OF VILLA PARK EXTERIOR 24. PAN OF ASTON VILLA SIGN  25. CLOSE UP OF ASTON VILLA BADGE 26. SIGN READING (English) "Where our heroes are Villans" 27. PULL FOCUS SHOT OF SECURITY CAMERA ONTO ASTON VILLA FLAG 28. VARIOUS OF LION ON PLINTH 29. WIDE OF VILLA PARK STORY: No away supporters will be allowed to attend Aston Villa's home Europa League clash with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 6 after police raised public safety concerns about potential protests, the Premier League club said on Thursday (October 17). The move comes after there were protests at the Israel national team's World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy, with police using tear gas on protesters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Oslo and Udine. Villa said they were following instructions from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), who are responsible for issuing safety certificates for games at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors. "Following a meeting this afternoon, the SAG have formally written to the club and UEFA to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture," Villa said in a statement. "West Midlands Police have advised the SAG that they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night. "The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision." Reuters has contacted Maccabi Tel Aviv for comment. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the announcement. "This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets," Starmer said on X. "The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation." UEFA said it wanted fans to be able to travel and support their team in a "safe, secure and welcoming environment". "(UEFA) encourages both teams and the competent authorities to agree on the implementation of appropriate measures necessary to allow this to happen," UEFA said. "In all cases, the competent local authorities remain responsible for decisions related to the safety and security of matches taking place on their territory, such decisions being determined on the basis of thorough risk assessments, which vary from match to match and take into consideration previous circumstances." Villa are third in the Europa League standings while Maccabi Tel Aviv are 30th after two rounds. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described Villa's announcement as a "shameful decision" on X. "I call on the UK authorities to reverse this coward decision," Saar wrote. Global soccer body FIFA has faced repeated calls to act over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials pressing for Israel to be suspended from international football. The issue has been under review by FIFA for months, but no decision has yet been taken, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino consistently saying such matters require consensus with the confederations and must be handled with caution. Earlier this month, FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani said Israel's continued participation in international football has to be dealt with first and foremost by UEFA. UEFA appeared poised for an emergency vote on suspending Israel from European competition last month but reportedly held off on a proposed vote following the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in the region. (Production: Gerhard Mey, Oliver Regan, Conal Quinn)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

VIDEO SHOWS: B-ROLL OUTSIDE ASTON VILLA'S VILLA PARK/ SOUNDBITES FROM BIRMINGHAM RESIDENTS ON VILLA NOT ALLOWING MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS TO ATTEND THEIR EUROPA LEAGUE MATCH/ B-ROLL OF BIRMINGHAM RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT SHOWS: BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (OCTOBER 17, 2025) (REUTERS – Access all) 1. EXTERIOR OF VILLA PARK 2. UNION FLAG FLYING OUTSIDE VILLA PARK 3. ASTON VILLA BADGE ON STADIUM EXTERIOR 4. WIDE SHOT OF VILLA PARK  5. ENGLAND FLAG DRAPED ON LION 6. EXTERIOR OF STADIUM 7. WIDE OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 8. CLOSE -UP OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 9. BANNER ON LAMP POST READING (English) "All of my heroes are Villans" 10. MURAL COMMEMORATING VILLA'S 1982 EUROPEAN CUP TRIUMPH 11. CLOSE UP OF MURAL 12. WIDE OF STAND AND PART OF STADIUM INTERIOR 13. CLOSE UP OF SEATS 14. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOOTBALL FAN, JACK DEATHRIDGE, SAYING:     "Well, I'm a bit surprised because we don't usually stop people from exercising their free will, I suppose. But I mean, I see what they're trying to do because it's very true. It might not be safe for them because, you know, there is a lot of stigma at the moment." 15. VARIOUS OF PEDESTRIANS WALKING IN BIRMINGHAM 16. SECURITY CAMERA 17. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOOTBALL FAN, JACK DEATHRIDGE SAYING:     'I mean, obviously I'm concerned for their safety, but I think, I think it's up to them if they want to come here, really, I suppose. We shouldn't make the decision for them." 18. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ASTON VILLA FAN ORIGINALLY FROM PALESTINE, ANNAS AHMED, SAYING: JOURNALIST ASKING: "Do you think Birmingham is safe? Do you think Aston Villa is safe?" ANNAS AHMED SAYING: "I think no. I think not safe." JOURNALIST ASKING: "Why?" ANNAS AHMED SAYING: "Because of the war, you know that. Yeah, this area (has a) war now.  I think not safe." 19. VARIOUS OF PEDESTRIANS IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE 20. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BIRMINGHAM STUDENT, VICTOR ADEWMI, SAYING:     "I do understand, but at the end of the day, that's up to the person to decide, because there's risk involved in anything. If I'm to go to a place that's, you know, maybe not a lot of people of my colour are, you know, welcome to. At the end of the day, no one can really say to me, I can't go there. That's my decision, and if something does go wrong, it's only me that can, you know, put my hands up and say, 'hey, I'm going to have to hold that on my head', but you can't really, you can safeguard, but banning people from going to a football game, I think that's kind of where you start crossing lines and stuff, you know." 21. PEDESTRIANS IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE 22. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BIRMINGHAM FOOTBALL FAN, NAJEEB MUHAMMED, ON WHETHER THE MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO TRAVEL, SAYING:     "I think that football should be watched by everyone. I'm like, it's like a sport that everyone loves, and, yeah man, I think it's like, I think they should. I think they should (be able to attend). Yeah." 23. WIDE OF VILLA PARK EXTERIOR 24. PAN OF ASTON VILLA SIGN  25. CLOSE UP OF ASTON VILLA BADGE 26. SIGN READING (English) "Where our heroes are Villans" 27. PULL FOCUS SHOT OF SECURITY CAMERA ONTO ASTON VILLA FLAG 28. VARIOUS OF LION ON PLINTH 29. WIDE OF VILLA PARK STORY: No away supporters will be allowed to attend Aston Villa's home Europa League clash with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 6 after police raised public safety concerns about potential protests, the Premier League club said on Thursday (October 17). The move comes after there were protests at the Israel national team's World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy, with police using tear gas on protesters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Oslo and Udine. Villa said they were following instructions from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), who are responsible for issuing safety certificates for games at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors. Reuters has contacted Maccabi Tel Aviv for comment. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the announcement, and on Friday (October 17) the British government said it is working with police and looking at the additional resources needed so that fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv can attend the match. Villa are third in the Europa League standings while Maccabi Tel Aviv are 30th after two rounds. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described Villa's announcement as a "shameful decision" on X. Global soccer body FIFA has faced repeated calls to act over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials pressing for Israel to be suspended from international football. The issue has been under review by FIFA for months, but no decision has yet been taken, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino consistently saying such matters require consensus with the confederations and must be handled with caution. Earlier this month, FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani said Israel's continued participation in international football has to be dealt with first and foremost by UEFA. UEFA appeared poised for an emergency vote on suspending Israel from European competition last month but reportedly held off on a proposed vote following the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in the region. (Production: Gerhard Mey, Oliver Regan, Conal Quinn)

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VIDEO SHOWS: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP'S CENTRAL EUROPEAN RALLY EDITORS NOTE, IT WAS UNCLEAR FROM MATERIAL PROVIDED WHERE EACH SHOT TOOK PLACE AS THE RALLY IS IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS RESENDING WITH FULL SCRIPT  SHOWS: VARIOUS LOCATIONS (OCTOBER 17, 2025) (WRC PROMOTER GMBH – see restrictions before use) 1. AERIAL OVER TOWN 2. ON BOARD CAMERA – SEBASTIEN OGIER OF TOYOTA GAZOO RACING  3. OGIER (17) 4. ON BOARD CAMERA – KALLE ROVANPERA OF TOYOTA GAZOO RACING  5. ROVANPERA (69) 6. ON BOARD CAMERA – ELFYN EVANS OF TOYOTA GAZOO RACING  7. EVANS (33) 8. OTT TANAK OF HYUNDAI SHELL MOBIS  9. ON BOARD CAMERA – TANAK (8) 10. VARIOUS OF THIERRY NEUVILLE WORKING ON HIS CAR 11. NEUVILLE (1) RACING 12. ON BOARD CAMERA – NEUVILLE WITH BONNET FLAPPING STORY: Rallying legend Sebastien Ogier held a narrow lead over Toyota teammate Kalle Rovanpera at the Central European Rally on Friday (October 17).     The Frenchman leads Rovanpera of Finland by just 0.6 seconds after the day's eight stages, with British driver Elfyn Evans lying in third place as Toyota dominated the top of the leaderboard.     Estonia's Ott Tanak finished the day in fourth place in his Hyundai.     The drivers will clock up nearly 312km on asphalt in 18 notoriously changeable stages across Germany, Austria and Czech Republic over the course of the weekend. (Production: Andy Ragg)

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VIDEO SHOWS: B-ROLL OUTSIDE ASTON VILLA'S VILLA PARK/ SOUNDBITES FROM BIRMINGHAM RESIDENTS ON VILLA NOT ALLOWING MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS TO ATTEND THEIR EUROPA LEAGUE MATCH/ B-ROLL OF BIRMINGHAM RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT SHOWS: BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (OCTOBER 17, 2025) (REUTERS – Access all) 1. EXTERIOR OF VILLA PARK 2. UNION FLAG FLYING OUTSIDE VILLA PARK 3. ASTON VILLA BADGE ON STADIUM EXTERIOR 4. WIDE SHOT OF VILLA PARK  5. ENGLAND FLAG DRAPED ON LION 6. EXTERIOR OF STADIUM 7. WIDE OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 8. CLOSE -UP OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 9. BANNER ON LAMP POST READING (English) "All of my heroes are Villans" 10. MURAL COMMEMORATING VILLA'S 1982 EUROPEAN CUP TRIUMPH 11. CLOSE UP OF MURAL 12. WIDE OF STAND AND PART OF STADIUM INTERIOR 13. CLOSE UP OF SEATS 14. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOOTBALL FAN, JACK DEATHRIDGE, SAYING:     "Well, I'm a bit surprised because we don't usually stop people from exercising their free will, I suppose. But I mean, I see what they're trying to do because it's very true. It might not be safe for them because, you know, there is a lot of stigma at the moment." 15. VARIOUS OF PEDESTRIANS WALKING IN BIRMINGHAM 16. SECURITY CAMERA 17. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOOTBALL FAN, JACK DEATHRIDGE SAYING:     'I mean, obviously I'm concerned for their safety, but I think, I think it's up to them if they want to come here, really, I suppose. We shouldn't make the decision for them." 18. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ASTON VILLA FAN ORIGINALLY FROM PALESTINE, ANNAS AHMED, SAYING: JOURNALIST ASKING: "Do you think Birmingham is safe? Do you think Aston Villa is safe?" ANNAS AHMED SAYING: "I think no. I think not safe." JOURNALIST ASKING: "Why?" ANNAS AHMED SAYING: "Because of the war, you know that. Yeah, this area (has a) war now.  I think not safe." 19. VARIOUS OF PEDESTRIANS IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE 20. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BIRMINGHAM STUDENT, VICTOR ADEWMI, SAYING:     "I do understand, but at the end of the day, that's up to the person to decide, because there's risk involved in anything. If I'm to go to a place that's, you know, maybe not a lot of people of my colour are, you know, welcome to. At the end of the day, no one can really say to me, I can't go there. That's my decision, and if something does go wrong, it's only me that can, you know, put my hands up and say, 'hey, I'm going to have to hold that on my head', but you can't really, you can safeguard, but banning people from going to a football game, I think that's kind of where you start crossing lines and stuff, you know." 21. PEDESTRIANS IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE 22. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BIRMINGHAM FOOTBALL FAN, NAJEEB MUHAMMED, ON WHETHER THE MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO TRAVEL, SAYING:     "I think that football should be watched by everyone. I'm like, it's like a sport that everyone loves, and, yeah man, I think it's like, I think they should. I think they should (be able to attend). Yeah." 23. WIDE OF VILLA PARK EXTERIOR 24. PAN OF ASTON VILLA SIGN  25. CLOSE UP OF ASTON VILLA BADGE 26. SIGN READING (English) "Where our heroes are Villans" 27. PULL FOCUS SHOT OF SECURITY CAMERA ONTO ASTON VILLA FLAG 28. VARIOUS OF LION ON PLINTH 29. WIDE OF VILLA PARK STORY: No away supporters will be allowed to attend Aston Villa's home Europa League clash with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 6 after police raised public safety concerns about potential protests, the Premier League club said on Thursday (October 17). The move comes after there were protests at the Israel national team's World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy, with police using tear gas on protesters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Oslo and Udine. Villa said they were following instructions from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), who are responsible for issuing safety certificates for games at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors. Reuters has contacted Maccabi Tel Aviv for comment. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the announcement, and on Friday (October 17) the British government said it is working with police and looking at the additional resources needed so that fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv can attend the match. Villa are third in the Europa League standings while Maccabi Tel Aviv are 30th after two rounds. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described Villa's announcement as a "shameful decision" on X. Global soccer body FIFA has faced repeated calls to act over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials pressing for Israel to be suspended from international football. The issue has been under review by FIFA for months, but no decision has yet been taken, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino consistently saying such matters require consensus with the confederations and must be handled with caution. Earlier this month, FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani said Israel's continued participation in international football has to be dealt with first and foremost by UEFA. UEFA appeared poised for an emergency vote on suspending Israel from European competition last month but reportedly held off on a proposed vote following the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in the region. (Production: Gerhard Mey, Oliver Regan, Conal Quinn)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)