Starmer challenges safety decision over Maccabi Tel Aviv fans at Aston Villa game
Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has criticised the decision to prevent Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their side’s Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham. The move, taken by a joint safety committee and formally justified by West Midlands Police as a high-risk event, has drawn sharp political reaction and raised questions about how to balance security with the rights of international supporters.
Why the decision was made
West Midlands Police said the classification was informed by safety concerns and by past incidents in Europe. They cited violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 Ajax vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv match in Amsterdam as a warning sign. The Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which coordinates decisions among local authorities, concluded that away fans would not be permitted to attend Villa Park for the fixture on 6 November. The police emphasised a need to mitigate risks to public safety and to avoid potential protests outside the stadium.
Political responses and calls for safety and inclusion
The decision prompted a broad political debate. Prime Minister and other opposition leaders criticized the ban, arguing that police should enable all football fans to enjoy the game without fear. The Prime Minister stated that antisemitism on Britain’s streets would not be tolerated and stressed the police’s role in ensuring safe access for supporters.
Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, described the decision as a national disgrace and challenged Sir Keir Starmer to guarantee that Jewish fans can enter any stadium in the country. She warned that excluding fans would send a troubling message about safety for Jewish communities in Britain.
Meanwhile, groups such as the Jewish Leadership Council and the Campaign Against Antisemitism criticised the decision, arguing that it paradoxically punishes victims by banning away fans rather than confronting hatred head-on. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign also voiced opposition, urging cancellation amid broader debates on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Local reaction and the match’s logistical reality
Locally, Birmingham’s political and civic leaders emphasised the complexity of the decision. Ayoub Khan, the independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, welcomed the move, citing safety concerns and “latent risks” that could not be fully managed. He highlighted public safety as the priority and referred to a petition co-signed by him and Jeremy Corbyn. Yet other voices view the ban as a troubling constraint on fans’ rights and a signal of how antisemitism issues intersect with sports events.
Aston Villa FC confirmed that the SAG had advised against away attendance, noting safety concerns outside the stadium and potential protests. The club stressed ongoing dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and authorities, asserting that supporters’ safety and local residents’ safety remain the priority.
What comes next for fans and security policy
As the Europa League tie approaches, attention will turn to how authorities monitor fan safety while preserving access for international supporters. Starmer’s response places pressure on parties to articulate a clear commitment to safeguarding Jewish fans and all attendees without stigmatizing particular groups. The incident also reignites debate over policing strategies, anti-hate measures, and ways to deter antisemitic rhetoric at football matches—an issue that has occupied UK public life for months.
Key takeaways
- High-risk classification led to banning away supporters from the Aston Villa match.
- Political leaders across the spectrum condemned or supported the decision, arguing for safe, inclusive stadiums.
- Community groups stress the need for robust anti-hate measures while maintaining access for international fans.
