Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government held emergency discussions on Friday aimed at reversing a ban that stops Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending their Europa League clash with Aston Villa — a move Israel’s government has called “shameful.”
Aston Villa announced that the Birmingham-based Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which grants safety certificates for matches, had decided that no away fans would be allowed for the 6 November fixture.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, condemned the decision on X, calling it “cowardly” and urging UK authorities to overturn it immediately.
As criticism intensified, including from Starmer, UEFA, and a senior British police official, local authorities were pressed to reconsider the ruling.
Starmer, an enthusiastic football fan, said the ban was “wrong.” He stated, “We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. It is the responsibility of the police to ensure that all supporters can enjoy football safely and without intimidation.”
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that “rapid discussions are underway across government and with all relevant bodies” to reach a solution.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who oversees sport, was expected to meet with Home Office officials and other stakeholders to address the controversy.
UEFA, which oversees the Europa League, called on the clubs and authorities to “implement suitable measures” that would permit Maccabi fans to attend.
Simon Foster, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, urged an “immediate review” by the SAG and police to assess whether the restriction was “necessary and proportionate.”
However, several left-wing and Green politicians supported the ban, arguing that Israeli clubs should be excluded from international tournaments over the Gaza conflict — drawing parallels with the sporting boycott of apartheid South Africa.
Aston Villa said the decision followed police advice about “public safety concerns outside the stadium” and doubts over managing potential protests.
West Midlands Police classified the game as “high risk,” citing intelligence and previous violence during a 2024 Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam, which led to assaults and hate crimes.
Emily Damari, a British-Israeli who was held hostage during Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack, said the ban “divides people rather than bringing them together.” Another fan, Tamir Nahson, described the move as “deeply painful” and “a missed opportunity.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s chief executive, Jack Angelides, told the BBC that the team had previously played in countries with strong anti-Israel sentiment but had experienced no trouble thanks to effective policing.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, the war has killed at least 67,967 people, while Hamas’s 7 October assault on Israel left 1,221 dead, mostly civilians, according to official Israeli figures.