Birmingham: In a controversial decision, UK authorities have barred supporters of ‘Israeli’ football club Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending their upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham. The West Midlands Police classified the match as a “high risk” event, citing violent clashes and hate crimes during Maccabi Tel Aviv’s 2024 match against Ajax in Amsterdam. A local Safety Advisory Group (SAG), coordinated by the city council, recommended restricting away fans to prevent potential safety risks.
Political and Public Reactions
The ban has sparked widespread criticism. Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer condemned the decision, stating, “This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets.” Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch called it a “national disgrace,” urging Starmer to ensure Jewish fans’ safety in all stadiums. Jewish advocacy groups also voiced opposition, with the Jewish Leadership Council describing the ban as “perverse” and the Campaign Against Antisemitism calling it “alarming.”
Support for the Ban
Independent MP Ayoub Khan welcomed the ban, stating that the hostility surrounding the match warranted such measures. He and fellow MP Jeremy Corbyn co-signed a petition urging the restriction, which gathered 3,861 signatures. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign went further, calling for the match to be cancelled entirely and accusing ‘Israel’ of committing “genocide and apartheid.”
Official Statements
Aston Villa confirmed that the decision followed guidance from West Midlands Police and the SAG. A club statement said, “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 emphasized that the safety of supporters and local residents was paramount.
West Midlands Police added that the classification of the game as “high risk” was based on thorough assessments, past incidents, and current intelligence, emphasizing their zero-tolerance stance on hate crime. Birmingham City Council also noted that the decision was the outcome of a multi-agency review prioritizing public safety.