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As tensions rise ahead of next month’s Europa League fixture between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly condemned the decision to ban Israeli fans from attending the match at Villa Park. The move, advised by West Midlands Police, has sparked a heated political and social debate across the UK.
Fan ban sparks political outcry
The West Midlands Police recommended that Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters be barred from attending the Europa League Group Stage clash in Birmingham, citing potential risks of fan violence and unrest. The decision was made in consultation with Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group, with local authorities emphasizing public safety concerns following prior fan incidents involving the Israeli club.
However, the move quickly drew sharp criticism from Israeli officials and UK leaders alike. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar took to social media to voice his frustration, calling it a “shameful decision” and urging the UK government to reverse what he described as a “coward decision.”
Starmer condemns decision, calls for Police responsibility
Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the responsibility of law enforcement should be to ensure safety—not exclusion. He condemned the ban on social media, stating:
“This is the wrong decision. We will not allow antisemitism in our streets. The police’s role is to ensure that every fan who wants to come and enjoy the game can do so, without fear of threats and violence.”
Starmer’s remarks highlight his stance that antisemitism and fear should not dictate public access to sporting events. The Prime Minister’s intervention places further pressure on the authorities to reconsider the controversial measure.
Divided reactions among UK politicians
The decision has divided UK political figures. Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch called the move a “national disgrace,” urging Keir Starmer to take firm action to ensure the safety and inclusion of Jewish fans. She emphasized that Britain must remain a place where “Jewish fans can walk into any football stadium in this country.”
Conversely, some members of Parliament supported the police’s decision, pointing to security concerns. Ayoub Khan, Independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, defended the measure, citing “latent safety risks” and the difficulty of managing potential unrest.
Police justify move amid safety concerns
In an official statement, West Midlands Police reiterated that the decision was based on “current intelligence and previous incidents,” referencing violent clashes involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam during the 2024 Europa League.
“We believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety,” the statement read. “We remain steadfast in our support for all affected communities and reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on hate crime.”
Aston Villa are set to host Maccabi Tel Aviv in early November, but the controversy surrounding the attendance ban continues to grow.
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