UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly criticised the move to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their Europa League match against Aston Villa, calling it “the wrong decision.” The order, made on the advice of West Midlands Police, has sparked political and diplomatic outrage, with figures across party lines demanding a reversal ahead of the November fixture at Villa Park.
Starmer criticises police-backed ban
The decision to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending next month’s Europa League clash at Villa Park continues to cause division in both the UK and Israel. The ban came after West Midlands Police classified the match as a high-risk fixture, citing concerns over fan safety and potential unrest linked to recent pro-Palestine demonstrations.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar was among the first to condemn the move, calling it “a shameful and coward decision.” His sentiment was later echoed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who took to X to criticise the ruling, saying it was the role of police to “ensure that every fan who wants to come and enjoy the game can do so, without fear of threats and violence.”
This is the wrong decision, Starmer wrote. We will not allow antisemitism in our streets. Every fan deserves to feel safe.
Growing political backlash
The controversy quickly became a flashpoint in Westminster. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch accused the government of failing to protect Jewish supporters, calling the situation “a national disgrace.”
How have things come to this? Badenoch asked. Starmer pledged that Jews are welcome and safe in Britain. Will he back those words with action and guarantee that Jewish fans can walk into any football stadium in this country? If not, it sends a horrendous and shameful message.
Former Labour MP Lord Ian Austin, a long-time Aston Villa season ticket holder, also criticised the ban, arguing that it sets a worrying precedent for future international events in Birmingham.
It looks like they have capitulated to troublemakers and abdicated their responsibility to ensure people can go about their lawful business safely, he said. If Birmingham can’t guarantee public safety for this match, how can it host games at the 2028 European Championships?
Police defend decision amid safety concerns
Despite political pressure, West Midlands Police defended their stance, describing the measure as a necessary precaution. A statement from the force cited “current intelligence and previous violent incidents,” including clashes between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans during the 2024 Europa League, as justification.
Based on professional judgement, we believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety,” the statement read. We remain steadfast in supporting all affected communities and reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on hate crime.
Independent MP Ayoub Khan, who represents Birmingham Perry Barr, supported the ban, claiming the risks surrounding the game were too severe to manage safely. “From the moment this match was announced, it was clear that even our capable security forces would struggle to control the potential hostility,” Khan said. “It was only right to take drastic measures.”
A diplomatic and footballing flashpoint
The fallout has gone beyond football, touching on wider diplomatic and social debates about public safety, antisemitism, and freedom of movement. Aston Villa have so far declined to comment publicly but are said to be cooperating closely with UEFA and local authorities ahead of the November 6 fixture.
The Israeli club, meanwhile, have expressed disappointment over the decision but are expected to comply, with UEFA confirming that the fixture will go ahead as planned without away supporters.
As tensions continue to rise, Starmer’s intervention has amplified calls for a review, setting up a delicate balance between security concerns and the right of fans to attend one of the season’s most politically charged European games.
