Keir Starmer Criticizes Aston Villa’s Decision to Ban Down suckers Against Maccabi Tel Aviv
Aston Villa will face Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League coming month, but the institution has formerly sparked contestation.
The Villans have made an excellent launch to their European crusade. Last week, Unai Emery’s side secured a 2-0 win against Feyenoord on Dutch soil, following a narrow 1-0 win over Bologna at Villa Park. With six points from two matches, the Midlands club is looking strong.
Attention now shifts to Villa’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, set to take place after the transnational break.
But it’s the European institution on 6 November that has drawn the most scrutiny.
Aston Villa verified on 16 October that no down sympathizers will be permitted inside Villa Park for the Maccabi Tel Aviv match.
Aston Villa can confirm the club has been informed that no away fans may attend the UEFA Europa League match with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 16, 2025
The decision came after the Safety Advisory Group( SAG) formally recommended the ban, citing safety concerns.
This move has divided opinion. While local MP Ayoub Khan, representing Perry Barr, backed the decision due to “latent safety risks” and the potential for “hostility and uncertainty”, others have been far less supportive.
Labor leader Keir Starmer criticized the ruling in strong terms. He said, “This is the wrong decision. 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.“
The statement has boosted scrutiny of Aston Villa, indeed, though the club itself didn’t make the decision unilaterally. The debate has now entered political home, with voices across the diapason importing in.
On the pitch, Emery’s team remains a force to be reckoned with. The Villans are among the teams to lift the Europa League, with prospects high following their strong group-stage launch.
Yet off the pitch, the absence of down suckers has cast a shadow over what should be a celebratory European crusade.
The counterreaction shows no signs of easing, and all eyes will be on how Villa and the authorities navigate this tense situation.
The Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv institution has come far further than a football match. With Keir Starmer and other political figures speaking in, the decision has sparked public debate over safety, football, and community relations.
