Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer calls the decision to block Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from their match against Aston Villa 'wrong', amid security concerns.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has criticised the decision to block Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending their Europa League match against Aston Villa on 6 November, calling it “the wrong decision.”
The Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which oversees match safety in Birmingham, said travelling fans would not be allowed at Villa Park due to security concerns. West Midlands Police had classified the game as high risk, citing intelligence about possible protests and referencing violent clashes involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam last year.
Starmer said, “We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets,” adding that police should ensure all fans can attend games “without fear of violence or intimidation.”
The move drew criticism across the political spectrum. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called it a “national disgrace,” warning it sent a “shameful message” that Jewish fans are not safe in parts of Britain. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey labelled the decision “a serious mistake,” while Reform UK’s Nigel Farage described it as “racial discrimination.”
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and the Jewish Leadership Council also condemned the ruling, the latter calling it “perverse” and suggesting the match be played behind closed doors instead.
However, Birmingham MP Ayoub Khan backed the decision, arguing the risks were too high for local authorities to manage safely.
Aston Villa said it remained in “continuous dialogue” with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities, emphasising that “the safety of supporters and residents” remains its top priority.
UEFA stated it wanted all fans to be able to travel safely but noted that local authorities hold final responsibility for security decisions.
The controversy comes amid heightened tensions following an attack at a Manchester synagogue earlier this month. Starmer said the government must act to ensure British Jews “feel secure and protected,” adding, “Words are not enough - action is what matters.”
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