UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized the decision to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa, citing security concerns.
West Midlands Police have classified the November 6 game at Villa Park as high risk, referencing instances of violence and hate crimes during Maccabi Tel Aviv’s previous match against Ajax in Amsterdam last season.
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Starmer expressed his disapproval on social media, stating, “This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets.”
He also emphasized the police’s responsibility to ensure that all football fans can enjoy the game without fearing violence or intimidation.
In a statement on Thursday, Villa confirmed that police had warned them about “public safety concerns outside the stadium” and their capacity to manage any potential protests on match day.
The Premier League club noted that they are in ongoing discussions with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities, prioritizing the safety of both fans and residents.
West Midlands Police stated that they have a solid record of managing football matches and high-risk public events effectively.
A spokesperson for the police commented, “We are dedicated to providing fair and impartial policing while balancing the public’s right to protest with our responsibility to ensure public safety.”
After a comprehensive evaluation, they classified the Aston Villa vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv fixture as high risk. While Birmingham City Council issues the safety certificate, the police support the decision to restrict away supporters from attending.
“This decision stems from current intelligence and past incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offenses during the UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam last year,” the spokesperson added.
The police believe this measure is essential to mitigate risks to public safety, reaffirming their commitment to support all affected communities and their zero-tolerance policy towards hate crimes.
This match at Villa Park will mark Maccabi Tel Aviv’s first away game in the Europa League since pro-Palestinian protests occurred at the stadium in Thessaloniki, Greece, during their match against PAOK on September 24.
Approximately 120 fans from Maccabi Tel Aviv were involved in the prior game in Greece and were held back by police before being allowed entry.
Last season, Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were involved in violent altercations with local residents in Amsterdam during a Europa League match against Ajax.
UEFA had been considering a vote to suspend Israeli teams from its tournaments, a decision postponed due to the recent ceasefire in Gaza.
The Jewish Leadership Council, based in London, called Thursday’s decision unjust, stating, “It is absurd that away fans should be banned from a football match simply because West Midlands Police can’t assure their safety. Aston Villa should face consequences for this decision, and the match should be played behind closed doors.”
Information from The Associated Press and PA was included in this report.