Fans of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv banned from attending UEFA Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham, UK
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch have criticised a decision to ban supporters of a top Israeli football team from attending their fixture at an English club in November due to safety concerns.
Maccabi Tel Aviv is scheduled to face Aston Villa in Birmingham for a UEFA Europa League match on November 6, but the region’s West Midlands Police force have said it is too dangerous for away fans to attend.
A statement released by Aston Villa said the decision came from instruction from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which is tasked with issuing safety certificates for every match at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors.
Tel Aviv fans were attacked on the streets of Amsterdam last November when their team played Dutch team Ajax in the same competition.
“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,” the club 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 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.”
Sir Starmer said he disagreed with the decision.
“This is the wrong decision,” he said in a brief post on X.
“We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets.
“The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.”
Ms Badenoch also wrote on social media: “This is a national disgrace. How have things come to this?”
The Israeli club has not yet responded to the announcement.
StandWithUs UK, a pro-Israel support system has started a petition on change.org, calling on police to allow the Israeli fans to attend the match.
In just a few hours, it has been signed by almost 4,000 people.
Maccabi Tel Aviv is the oldest football club in Israel after its foundation in 1906 and became the first Jewish football club to participate in local competitions in 1922.
The club are the reigning champions of the Israeli Premier League, but have got off to a rough start in their Europa League campaign, drawing 0-0 in Greece with PAOK, and suffering a 3-1 defeat at home to Dinamo Zagreb.
It would be an almighty upset if they topple Aston Villa away from home without the support of their travelling fans.
While Villa have had a tough start to their league season, sitting in 13th place after seven matches, they have won their opening two Europa League fixtures – 1-0 against Italian side Bologna and 2-0 over Dutch giants Feyenoord.
