Ministers consider reversing the Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban after PM criticism
British politicians and security officials are revisiting the decision to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending the Europa League match in Birmingham, following strong criticisms from Prime Minister and other leaders. The move, taken by Birmingham’s safety advisory group on guidance from West Midlands Police, deemed the match high risk based on current intelligence and past incidents, including clashes and hate crimes at a 2024 Ajax vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv game in Amsterdam.
The debate now centers on balancing public safety with principles of inclusion and anti-discrimination. Culture and security ministers are discussing whether there is a pathway to allow a controlled attendance that would address security concerns while avoiding sending a message that Jewish fans are not welcome in the UK. The government is keen to avoid normalising exclusion based on ethnicity or nationality, a point reinforced by Prime Minister statements and parliamentary rhetoric in recent days.
Reaction from political leaders and the Jewish community
The decision to restrict attendance drew swift condemnation from opposition leaders. Keir Starmer described the ban as the wrong decision and emphasised that police should ensure football fans can enjoy matches without fear. Kemi Badenoch called it a national disgrace and questioned how safety would be guaranteed if Jewish fans cannot attend in their own country. Ed Davey of the Lib Dems argued that banning victims of antisemitism is a serious mistake that must be reversed. Some commentators accused the policy of reflecting broader political tensions surrounding Israel and Gaza, rather than merely a security assessment.
What Maccabi Tel Aviv’s leadership is saying
Jack Angelides, chief executive of Maccabi Tel Aviv, expressed disappointment that the attendance could be so limited. Speaking on the Today programme, he noted that many club supporters live in Britain and should be able to attend safely. He framed the issue as a test of how antisemitism manifests in real life, stating that small events can build toward more sinister outcomes. Angelides highlighted the concern that the ban may overlook the security measures already in place and questioned whether the club’s delegation would also be protected if the match were allowed to proceed.
The security angle and football governance
Officials cited “current intelligence” and historical incidents when justifying the high-risk label. The police, working with local authorities, argue that public safety requires tough decisions at times. The government’s response acknowledges operational boundaries but aims to ensure that sanctions do not become an instrument of discrimination. Ministers have signalled they will engage with the Home Office and other stakeholders to explore alternatives, including enhanced security and potential restrictions on fan travel rather than a full ban.
What could a reversal look like?
A potential reversal would likely involve a tightly managed attendance plan: increased policing, separate seating zones, specific entry points for families and groups, and a rigorous risk assessment on the day of the match. Such a plan would aim to protect Aston Villa and Birmingham residents while allowing Maccabi Tel Aviv fans to support their team. Critics warn that any compromise must not appear as capitulation to extremist threats, but supporters argue that it is possible to uphold safety without excluding a community from a legitimate sporting event.
Why this matters beyond one match
The episode touches on broader questions about antisemitism, national identity, and the role of sport in a diverse society. As politicians weigh security with inclusion, the public is watching to see whether the state can guarantee safety for all fans, regardless of nationality or faith. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future and how authorities balance civil liberties with public order.
Updated at 04.46 EDT
