Starmer condemns police decision to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Villa clash
Sir Keir Starmer has weighed in on the debate over whether Israeli fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv should be allowed to attend their team’s Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham. After West Midlands Police classified the event as “high risk,” away supporters were barred from attending, prompting a wave of political and community responses.
Starmer joined a chorus of critics arguing that restrictions against fans based on nationality or faith send the wrong message about safety and inclusion. The issue sits at the intersection of football, public order, and antisemitism, categories that have repeatedly surfaced in recent European fixtures where security concerns and hate crimes have been highlighted by authorities.
The police assessment and safety concerns
West Midlands Police (WMP) said the decision was the result of a joint safety assessment coordinated by the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG). The force cited “violent clashes and hate crime offences” linked to similar matches in Amsterdam last year, where Maccabi Tel Aviv fans faced antisemitic incidents. Officers stressed that concerns extend beyond the stadium bowl to potential protests and surrounding public spaces, which could disrupt community safety on match night.
Aston Villa confirmed that, after a multi-agency review, no away fans would be permitted to attend the November 6 fixture. The club said it remained in dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities with the safety of supporters and residents at the forefront of the decision.
Reaction from politicians and Jewish community groups
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned antisemitism and urged the police to enable safe attendance for football fans, describing the decision as the wrong course of action. Opposition leaders and community groups quickly weighed in as well. Kemi Badenoch, leading the Conservative charge, called the move a “national disgrace” and challenged Sir Keir Starmer to guarantee that Jewish fans could walk into any stadium in the country without fear.
The Jewish Leadership Council criticized the ban, arguing it is perverse to prohibit away supporters when safety cannot be guaranteed. The Campaign Against Antisemitism echoed concerns that authorities are failing to secure inclusive participation in public life. By contrast, some local voices argued in favor of the measures, pointing to a history of hostility and latent safety risks that officials say they must manage.
International reactions and local voices
Israel’s foreign minister described the decision as shameful and urged reversal, highlighting how international opponents and allies observe the implications of such policing choices. Among local voices, a Birmingham MP welcomed the decision, citing safety concerns and a petition that drew thousands of signatures from constituents worried about protests and public disorder. The petition itself reflected the charged nature of the debate surrounding football, security, and ethnicity in modern Britain.
Looking ahead: implications for policing and football events
While supporters of the ban framed it as a prudent precaution, critics warn that excluding fans sets a worrying precedent for inclusion and equal access to public life. Football authorities and fans alike will be watching how authorities balance security with the right to participate in international competition on British soil. The case also raises broader questions about how anti-discrimination protections intersect with policing strategies in crowded events that attract diverse, multinational crowds.
The match itself remains a focal point for ongoing discussions about safety, antisemitism, and policing. As communities reflect on the best ways to safeguard all fans while preserving the integrity and spirit of the game, leaders at local and national levels may need to revisit guidance, review risk assessments, and communicate more clearly about the factors that drive such high-risk classifications in European football fixtures.
