On the eve of one of the most highly-charged matches in recent memory, both clubs attempted to place the emphasis on purely on-field matters.
Reporters were not permitted to ask non-football questions at Villa manager Unai Emery’s pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon, while Lazetic also gave the political backdrop short shrift later in the day.
Asked if he had discussed the situation with his players, the Serbian head coach replied: “We are focusing on the football.”
When then asked if there was sadness about Israeli club’s fans not being allowed to attend, he replied: “Yes, of course.
“Unfair or fair, in the world I am not one to judge (whether it has made it harder) but on the pitch it is 11 against 11 and we will try to do our best.”
The match has been at the centre of a political storm following the decision last month Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group not to allow Maccabi fans to attend.
Despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer joining calls for the ban to be reversed, Maccabi later announced they would be rejecting tickets because of the “toxic atmosphere” which had been created.
More than 700 police officers will be on the streets, with several protests involving both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups due to take place near the stadium.
Officers have been granted section 60 powers, which allow them to stop and search people without the need for reasonable grounds.
Two protestors, one with a Palestine flag, were present outside Bodymoor Heath ahead of Emery’s press conference but non-football questions were not permitted.
The manager did praise skipper John McGinn after he signed a new three-year deal at the club.
“Three years we are together, and in those three years he showed us and he showed me how he is leading the team in all the moments,” said Emery.
“His commitment with Aston Villa is a huge commitment, before I arrived here and the three years we are doing together. He showed me it.
“What is John McGinn expecting from himself and Aston Villa in the next few years? He’s going to be an important player for us and for the supporters.”