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home office Last week it was said that supporters of Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv It is possible Aston Villa barred from Europa League matchPolice have revealed that a major controversy has increased regarding the ban.
Sir Keir Starmer will do “everything in his power” for this reverse the banAccording to this spokesperson, he condemned the move as a “misjudgment” in a major government intervention.
It is reported that Israeli fans will not be able to attend the club’s event in Birmingham on 6 November fear of violence Has faced resentment from Jewish communities.
The Tory leader branded the move by council leaders in Birmingham a “national disgrace”. Kemi Badenoch And a “shameful decision”. Israel Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.
The government is now expecting West Midlands Police Coming up with proposals for what resources will be needed to ensure all fans can safely attend football matches, Independent The Council considers ahead of the Security Advisory Group meeting next week.
However, ministers are facing fresh questions after it emerged that the Home Office was briefed about security fears – and a possible ban on fans visiting Villa Park – by experts from the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) early last week.
Senior officers in the unit supported the ban, saying that it was “important that we respect and support the structures that are in place to make these decisions”.
Ms Badenoch said the Home Secretary had “serious questions to answer” for not taking immediate action, adding: “This is a weak government that fails to act when needed.
“We have now learned that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood knew that Jewish football fans were being banned from a UK stadium, and did nothing.”
West Midlands Police said they have classified Aston Villa The vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv match has been characterized as high risk based on “current intelligence and past incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime crimes that occurred during the 2024 UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam”.
violent Clash between Palestine supporters protesters and Israel Fans erupt during Europa League match Dutch clubs Ajax and Maccabi in Amsterdam last year,
Five people were given prison terms and more than 60 were detained over the riots, which led to accusations of deliberate anti-Semitic attacks.
His spokesman said Sir Keir and his top ministers were making every effort to “find a way” to allow traveling Maccabi fans to attend games.
However, Birmingham City Council insisted that the decision to ban Maccabi fans would not be reviewed unless there were changes to the risk assessment provided by West Midlands Police.
In an update on Friday evening, a council spokesperson said: “The Safety Advisory Group has made the decision based on a risk assessment provided by West Midlands Police.
“If there is any change in the risk assessment in the upcoming match Aston Villa The football club and Maccabi Tel Aviv will then commit to reviewing its decision as appropriate to the Security Advisory Group.
Talks aimed at overturning the ban have included the Home Office offering support to police in Birmingham and a phone call between Communities Secretary Steve Reid and Birmingham City Council.
Meanwhile, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is “meeting with officials to discuss what more can be done to find a way to resolve this, and to allow fans to attend games safely”, a No 10 spokesman said.
The Prime Minister was “outraged by the decision”, with his spokesman saying, “Of course this is an operational decision, we are fully entitled to speak on basic principles of impartiality in this way.”
Sir Keir first criticized the decision in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “We will not tolerate anti-Semitism on our streets.
“The role of the police is to ensure everyone football fan Can enjoy the game without fear of violence or intimidation.”
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster was among those calling for an “urgent review” of the ban.
UEFA, which runs the Europa League, also urged UK authorities to ensure Maccabi Tel Aviv fans can attend matches in Birmingham.
Emily Damari, a British-Israel who was held captive by Hamas for more than a year before being released in January, and who supports football teams Maccabi Tel Aviv and Tottenham Hotspur, led the decision to impose sanctions Israel The fans attending the match against Aston Villa were “disrespectful”.
She said: “I am shocked to the core by this disgraceful decision to ban me, my family and my friends from attending Aston Villa games in the UK.
“Football is a way of bringing people together regardless of their faith, color or religion, and this disgusting decision does the exact opposite.
“You should be ashamed. I hope you come to your senses and reconsider.”
West Midlands Police said the decision to issue safety certificates rests with Birmingham City Council, but it supports the decision to ban Israeli fans, citing previous clashes in Amsterdam.
Social media video from the team’s 2024 match against Ajax shows Maccabi fans setting off fireworks and fireworks and chanting in Hebrew “Olé, Olé, let the IDF go” [Israel Defense Forces] Win, we will fuck with Arabs.
There were also reports of Maccabi fans chanting “No children left” in Gaza. Maccabi fans were the victims of “hit and run” attacks, with the violence resulting in four rioters being given short prison sentences.
A government spokesperson said: “Nobody should be stopped from watching a football game just because of who they are.
“The government is making every possible effort, working with the police and other partners, to ensure that the Games can go ahead safely with all fans in attendance.
“We’re exploring what additional resources and support are needed so all fans can attend.”