West Midlands Police reportedly advised Aston Villa last week that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans could face a ban from the upcoming Europa League match at Villa Park. The English club officially announced the ban on Thursday, citing safety concerns. The decision has sparked widespread condemnation from Israeli and British leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called it "the wrong decision".
The ban stems from a "high risk" classification of the November 6 game by West Midlands Police, based on "current intelligence and previous incidents". The police specifically highlighted violent clashes and hate crime offenses that occurred during a 2024 UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam. During that match, Maccabi fans were involved in incidents such as tearing down and burning a Palestinian flag, vandalizing a taxi, and chanting anti-Arab slogans. Following the game, organized gangs ambushed and attacked Maccabi fans, resulting in injuries and arrests.
Aston Villa stated they are following instructions from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which is responsible for issuing safety certificates for games at Villa Park. The club emphasized they are in "continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities," with the safety of supporters and local residents as the priority.
The decision has ignited a political firestorm. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, "We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets," while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the ban a "national disgrace". Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described Aston Villa's announcement as a “shameful decision”. The Home Office is reportedly offering extra support to West Midlands Police in an effort to reverse the ban. Downing Street stated that discussions are happening "at pace across government" to resolve the issue.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner has called for an immediate review of the decision. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has demanded answers from West Midlands Police regarding their reasoning for the ban.
UEFA has urged British authorities to ensure Maccabi fans can attend the match. Maccabi Tel Aviv chief executive Jack Angelides expressed "dismay" at the decision. He stated that the team recently played a game against Turkish opposition without incident, despite it being moved to Hungary and played without fans.
The Jewish Leadership Council criticized the decision, calling it "perverse" that fans are banned because the police can't guarantee their safety. They suggested Aston Villa should face consequences, and the match should be played behind closed doors. In contrast, Ayoub Khan, an independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, welcomed the ban, citing "latent safety risks".
The Campaign Against Antisemitism announced its intention to seek a judicial review of the ban, calling it "pernicious". Concerns have also been raised that the ban sends a negative message about the safety and inclusivity of British society.
