In a decision that’s sparked a political firestorm, supporters of Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv have been banned from attending their upcoming Europa League clash against Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The move, triggered by security concerns, has drawn heavy criticism from across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who branded it “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,” Starmer posted on X (formerly Twitter).
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.https://t.co/8aBeqE4qbA
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 16, 2025
Mounting Criticism from Political Leaders
The ban, imposed by Birmingham City Council’s Safety Advisory Group and backed by West Midlands Police, applies to the match scheduled for Thursday, 6 November.
Officials cited “public safety risks” following previous clashes involving Israeli fans notably a violent incident in Amsterdam last year during a fixture between Ajax and Maccabi, which led to multiple arrests and prison sentences.
But the fallout from this latest move has been swift and fierce:
- Sir Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat leader, slammed the decision: “You don’t tackle antisemitism by banning its victims. This decision must be reversed.”
- Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party heavyweight, labelled the ban “a national disgrace”.
- Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, claimed the decision “takes racial discrimination to a whole new level”.
- Danny Kruger, an MP for Reform UK, went further, suggesting Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood consider removing the chief constable responsible.
This is a national disgrace.
How have things come to this?
Starmer pledged that Jews are welcome and safe in Britain. That he stands shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community and will use the full force of his government to prove it.
Will he back those words with action… https://t.co/3gZ41UFWFv
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) October 16, 2025
“A Political Statement, Not a Safety Concern”
Aston Villa’s own Jewish supporters have weighed in. Andrew Fox, honorary president of the club’s Jewish Villans supporters’ group, expressed disbelief over the justification: “There’s no evidence of Maccabi’s fans being particularly violent.
They don’t have a track record in all of their previous European games of having a violent fan group,” he told BBC Radio 4.
Fox argued the move was more political than precautionary, saying it risks sending a “really worrying message” about British society and inflaming an already charged political environment.
UEFA and Jewish Organisations Demand Reconsideration
UEFA, the body governing the Europa League, has urged UK authorities to reverse the decision and facilitate a safe match-day environment for all fans: “Uefa wants fans to be able to travel and support their team in a safe, secure and welcoming environment, and encourages both teams and the competent authorities to agree on the implementation of appropriate measures necessary to allow this to happen.”
The Jewish Leadership Council also condemned the move, questioning why Aston Villa should not also face restrictions: “It is perverse that away fans should be banned from a football match because West Midlands Police can’t guarantee their safety.
Aston Villa should face the consequences of this decision and the match should be played behind closed doors.”
“Completely Unacceptable” — Government Figures Step In
Efforts are now underway at the highest level to resolve the issue. Ian Murray, a minister in the Department for Culture, described the ban as “completely and utterly unacceptable.”
He revealed that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy was holding urgent meetings with the Home Office and other stakeholders to explore a possible U-turn.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has called the ban a “shameful decision,” adding to growing diplomatic unease.
Local Backlash and Safety Concerns
Not everyone is opposing the ban. Ayoub Khan, Independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr and a vocal supporter of Gaza, defended the move as necessary: “From the moment that the match was announced, it was clear that there were latent safety risks that even our capable security and police authorities would not be able to fully manage.”
He said the city had no choice but to act “with drastic measures” given the “hostility and uncertainty” surrounding the game.
In contrast, critics argue that there are established, effective methods to separate rival fans and prevent disorder measures that have worked in countless high-stakes fixtures in the past.
The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake?
With Birmingham set to host more high-profile international events in the future, this incident could have wider ramifications.
Former Labour MP Luciana Berger, who previously quit the party over antisemitism issues, raised a pointed warning: “If West Midlands Police & Birmingham council can’t guarantee safety for this 1 match, then the city’s ability to host forthcoming major international events should be reviewed.”
As tensions rise and the clock ticks down to kick-off, pressure is now mounting on the authorities to find a compromise and fast.
This story is developing. Stay with UK News Blog for updates as they happen.
