Starmer ‘angered’ as Home Office steps in
The UK government has pledged to do “everything in our power” to overturn a ban on fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv attending their Europa League clash with Aston Villa, after Birmingham authorities prohibited Israeli supporters from entering the stadium on safety grounds.
The Home Office said it was working with “policing and other partners” to ensure the 6 November match at Villa Park could take place with both sets of fans present. The move followed strong criticism from politicians, including an “angry” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who ordered ministers to find a solution.
“No one should be stopped from watching a football game simply because of who they are,” a Home Office spokesperson said.
“We are exploring what additional resources and support are required so all fans can attend safely.”
Safety concerns and political backlash
The ban was imposed by Birmingham City Council’s safety advisory group (SAG) on the recommendation of West Midlands Police, which classified the fixture as “high risk” following “violent clashes and hate crime offences” at Maccabi Tel Aviv’s match against Ajax in Amsterdam last year.
Five people were injured in that incident, which authorities said involved antisemitic attacks. Dutch police also reported some Maccabi fans chanting anti-Arab slogans and pulling down Palestinian flags before the game.
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has now requested an “urgent review” of the decision. Birmingham City Council said the SAG would reconsider the ban if police advice changed.
Number 10 said Starmer “respected the operational independence” of the police but wanted the ban lifted.
“The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game without fear of violence or intimidation,” Starmer said on X.
Divided political response
The controversy has drawn sharp political divides. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the ban a “national disgrace”, saying it sent a “horrendous message” that “there are parts of Britain where Jews simply cannot go.”
But Ayoub Khan, the independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, welcomed the decision, arguing that “latent safety risks” made the ban necessary.
The dispute comes amid heightened tensions over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza which is currently respecting a ceasefire after the release of the hostages by Hamas, which has sparked widespread protests across Europe. In recent weeks, Italian authorities deployed the army to secure Israel’s match in Udine, while demonstrators gathered outside stadiums in Oslo and Amsterdam.
Aston Villa said it remained in “continuous dialogue” with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities, stressing that the “safety of supporters and residents” was its top priority.
