The UK government has committed to providing resources to reverse the decision that bars Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6th.
The ban, imposed by local authorities and West Midlands Police due to security concerns, citing the fixture as “high-risk” and referencing past violent clashes during a 2024 match in Amsterdam, has drawn widespread criticism.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer publicly condemned the move as “wrong,” stating, “we will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson reinforced this stance, calling the ban “very difficult to justify” and confirming the government “will provide what is necessary” for fans to attend safely.
The controversy was amplified by the violent cancellation of the Tel Aviv derby between Maccabi and Hapoel on Sunday, which injured 15 people.
Independent Birmingham MP Ayoub Khan, who supports the ban, used the derby disorder to defend the local decision, calling Maccabi fans “hooligans” and demanding the Prime Minister apologize for his interference.
Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group is expected to meet this week to discuss the government’s push to allow away fans, despite the police’s high-risk assessment.
