Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has criticised the decision to ban Israeli football fans from attending matches in the UK, saying it is wrong to exclude them because police cannot guarantee their safety from antisemitic mobs. The move stops Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending their Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6 at Villa Park.
Starmer urged Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police to reverse the decision, insisting that the police’s job is to keep all fans safe, not to prevent them from attending. Downing Street confirmed that the Prime Minister is working to resolve the issue quickly and has vowed to do everything possible to protect Jewish communities.
The ban was introduced over safety concerns after violent clashes in Amsterdam last year, where Maccabi fans were attacked by pro-Palestinian demonstrators during a game against Ajax. West Midlands Police advised Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group not to allocate seats for away fans, describing the match as high risk.
Posting on X, Starmer said: “This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. It is the police’s role to ensure every football fan can enjoy the game without fear.” A Downing Street spokesperson added that the government “will do everything in its power” to protect Jewish people and ensure fairness for all supporters.
UEFA, which oversees the Europa League, has also urged UK authorities to allow Maccabi Tel Aviv fans to attend, saying supporters should be able to follow their team in a safe and welcoming environment.
Freed British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari, a Maccabi fan, called the ban “blatant antisemitism” and said it sent a terrible message about Jews being unwelcome. She added that football should bring people together, not divide them.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch called the decision a “national disgrace” and challenged the Prime Minister to ensure that Jewish fans can safely attend any football match in Britain. Labour peer Lord Ian Austin also condemned the move, accusing police of giving in to pressure from agitators instead of protecting lawful spectators.
With growing political backlash and pressure from both parties, officials are reviewing the decision. Many critics argue that banning fans due to safety fears only deepens division and undermines Britain’s commitment to equality and freedom from hate.
Source: The Sun, UK
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