Matty Cash and Unai EmeryGetty Images
Nick Mashiter
Football reporter
It was a bland press conference from Unai Emery in the end.
Journalists were barred from asking questions about the political issues surrounding their Europa League game with Maccabi Tel Aviv, with away fans banned from coming to Villa Park on Thursday.
Six weeks ago, there was a chance the game might not go ahead, with calls for Israeli teams to be removed from international competitions because of the Israel-Gaza war.
The local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) took into account safety concerns, with West Midlands Police holding concerns about its ability to deal with any potential protests.
The SAG - the body responsible for issuing safety certificates for matches - informed Villa no travelling fans will be permitted at the match in Birmingham last month.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described it as "the wrong decision".
Ahead of the a press conference, which lasted just under 14 minutes, journalists were told any non-football questions would not be welcomed, with Emery focusing on the game instead.
He added: "We have to get three points to be a contender to be in the top eight. I know it's difficult and we have to be aware about how we lost the last match against Go Ahead Eagles and how we must correct things."
Opposite number Zarko Lazetic faces the media later on Thursday where it would be a surprise for him to be similarly silenced.
Related topics
Europa League
Aston Villa
Football