The UK government has pledged to do “everything in our power” to overturn the controversial ban preventing Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending their Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham on 6 November 2025.
The decision, made by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG), followed West Midlands Police classifying the fixture as high risk amid fears of potential violence linked to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. The Home Office confirmed it is urgently working with police and local authorities to explore whether additional security resources can allow Israeli fans to attend safely.
“No one should be stopped from watching a football game simply because of who they are,” said a government spokesperson. “We’re working to ensure this match can safely go ahead with all fans present.”
Why Were Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Banned?
The SAG’s decision was based on intelligence reports and previous violent incidents involving Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters. In Amsterdam in November 2024, violent clashes erupted between fans of Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, leading to over 60 arrests. Dutch authorities described the chaos as a “toxic combination of antisemitism, hooliganism, and anger” surrounding the war in Gaza.
Birmingham City Council stated that the SAG could review its stance if the police alter their current risk assessment before the match. A new meeting is expected next week to discuss the matter further.
Political Fallout: Ministers Under Fire
The Home Office faced immediate criticism after it was revealed that officials were aware of potential restrictions last week but only informed of the final ban decision on Thursday.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the Labour government of inaction, saying: “This is a weak government that fails to act when required.” She claimed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood “did nothing” to prevent the fan ban.
A Home Office source denied the allegation, insisting: “The first time the Home Secretary knew that the fans were being banned was last night.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the exclusion of Israeli supporters, calling it “wrong” and emphasizing that “we will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets.”
Mixed Reactions Across the Political Spectrum
The ban has drawn criticism from Israeli officials, Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK, who argue the move discriminates against fans based on nationality.
However, the Green Party defended the SAG decision, stating it was “irresponsible” for Starmer to undermine local safety authorities.
Ayoub Khan, an independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, supported the ban, arguing that it was a “moral question” as well as a matter of public safety. Comparing the situation to sanctions against Russian teams, he said:
“The same rules that applied to Russian football teams over their atrocities in Ukraine should apply to Israeli football teams.”
Fans and Human Rights Advocates Outraged
Among those condemning the decision was Emily Damari, a British-Israeli and former hostage released from Gaza earlier this year.
“I’m shocked to my core by this outrageous decision,” she said. “Football brings people together regardless of faith or nationality — this does the exact opposite.”
Damari, a self-described “die-hard Maccabi Tel Aviv fan,” urged UK authorities to allow supporters to travel and attend peacefully.
Security Context: Growing Tensions Across Europe
The controversy follows a string of football-related protests and clashes linked to the Israel-Gaza war.
- In Oslo, 22 people were arrested near Ullevaal Stadium when Israel faced Norway in a World Cup qualifier.
- In Udine, Italy, police clashed with thousands of demonstrators ahead of Israel’s match against Italy.
- In Spain, protests at a Euroleague basketball game between Valencia and Hapoel Tel Aviv also led to arrests.
These incidents have prompted European authorities to heighten security for matches involving Israeli clubs and national teams.
What Happens Next?
The Home Office confirmed that the Safety Advisory Group will reconvene next week to reassess the ban. If West Midlands Police revises its risk evaluation, Israeli fans could yet be allowed to attend the match at Villa Park.
For now, the government insists it is “leaving no stone unturned” to ensure the Europa League fixture proceeds without discrimination or unrest.
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