BIRMINGHAM – West Midlands Police have recommended that fans of Israeli soccer club Maccabi Tel Aviv be barred from attending their Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham next month, citing concerns over public disorder and potential unrest. The November 6 fixture at Villa Park has been classified as “high risk” following a police assessment based on what they described as “current intelligence and previous incidents”.
Aston Villa confirmed that the club was advised by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group, which issues safety certifications for major events, to exclude visiting fans from the match. Police said that prior violence tied to Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Europa League meeting with Ajax in Amsterdam last year, when pro-Palestinian demonstrations erupted around the stadium, factored into their decision.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has criticized the move, calling it “the wrong decision.” He urged local authorities and law enforcement to uphold the right of all fans to attend safely. “The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game without fear of violence or intimidation,” Starmer’s spokesperson said Friday.
Leaders across the political spectrum, including Conservative Party head Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, also condemned the ban. West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster announced on Friday that he had called an emergency review of the decision to determine whether it was “justified, reasonable, and proportionate”.
In a statement, Foster said he had requested access to all documents and communications behind the ruling. “The aim of this review is to ensure the decision-making process has properly considered all alternative options,” he said, promising a reassessment of public safety planning around the event.
Aston Villa said it remains in “continuous dialogue” with both Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities, stressing that supporter safety remains the “foremost priority.” The club reiterated that the decision followed police recommendations but indicated flexibility if new measures could allow safe attendance.
In response to mounting criticism, a spokesperson for West Midlands Police defended the force’s record on event safety. “We are committed to delivering fair and impartial policing while balancing the public’s right to protest with our duty to ensure public safety,” the force said Friday.
International football governing body UEFA has underlined its position that fans should be allowed to support their teams “in a safe, secure, and welcoming environment.” It noted, however, that local authorities retain final control over venue decisions based on risk assessments.
The incident has stirred frustration within Jewish and pro-Israel circles, where many see the ban as an unfair restriction with echoes of politically motivated discrimination. Jewish groups across the UK have appealed to the Home Office and UEFA to intervene, describing the prohibition as “deeply troubling” amid broader concerns over antisemitic hostility linked to the war between Israel and Hamas.
Government ministers have confirmed that meetings are underway with Birmingham officials, police, and football authorities to explore ways of strengthening security to enable Israeli fans to attend. “We are doing everything possible to ensure all supporters can participate safely,” a government statement read on Friday.
As discussions continue, both Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa have refrained from public comment beyond their official releases. UEFA has stated it will await the outcome of the local review before issuing further guidance.
This article is based on verified information from Reuters, BBC, The Athletic, Sky Sports, ESPN, and Al Jazeera.