UK PM slams decision to prevent Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending Aston Villa match

Sir Keir Starmer has condemned a decision preventing Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending their team’s Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham next month. West Midlands Police (WMP) classified the fixture as “high risk” and said the move was partly influenced by last year’s violent incidents in Amsterdam, where Israeli fans were attacked during a match against Ajax.

The prime minister called the ban “the wrong decision,” insisting that “police must ensure all football fans can enjoy the game without fear of violence or intimidation.” WMP cited “violent clashes and hate crime offences” in the Dutch capital when justifying the restriction.

Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch labelled the move “a national disgrace,” arguing it sends a “shameful message” that “there are parts of Britain where Jews simply cannot go.” The Jewish Leadership Council also criticised the decision as “perverse,” urging that if safety cannot be guaranteed, the game should be played behind closed doors.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism said it reflected a failure by British authorities to protect Jewish communities, “excluding the victims instead of confronting hatred.” Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, described the ruling as “shameful,” though independent MP Ayoub Khan welcomed the exclusion of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans.

via Sky