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The prime minister has spoken out against the decision to prevent Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending an Aston Villa match, calling it a “wrong decision.” This move was made due to safety concerns surrounding the Europa League match on 6 November. Sir Keir Starmer criticized the decision, emphasizing that antisemitism should not be tolerated, and that all football fans should be able to enjoy the game without fear of violence or intimidation. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the decision as a “national disgrace” and urged Sir Keir to take action to reverse it. She stressed the importance of guaranteeing that Jewish fans can feel safe attending football matches in the country.
West Midlands Police stated that the game between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv had been classified as high risk, with concerns about potential protests complicating security measures at Villa Park. Previous incidents and intelligence reports, including violent clashes and hate crimes between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam in November 2024, contributed to this decision. The Safety Advisory Group, responsible for issuing safety certificates for matches, informed Aston Villa that no traveling fans would be allowed to attend the match in Birmingham. Aston Villa assured that they are working closely with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities to prioritize the safety of supporters and residents in any decision-making process.
Uefa, the governing body of European football, expressed its desire for fans to be able to travel and support their teams in a safe environment. However, local authorities retain responsibility for decisions concerning match safety and security. Various political figures, including Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, criticized the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the match. The decision was labeled as “shameful” and a “serious mistake,” with calls for its reversal to address concerns of antisemitism and discrimination. Sporting events have recently seen protests linked to conflicts such as the war in Gaza, highlighting the need for increased security measures and vigilance.
In response to concerns about the safety and security of the Jewish community, the prime minister acknowledged the feelings of insecurity following the attack at a Manchester synagogue. During a visit to the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity providing security for Jewish sites, he emphasized the need for action to address antisemitism and ensure the safety of the Jewish community. Acknowledging that words alone are insufficient, he reiterated the government’s commitment to taking concrete actions to combat antisemitism and ensure the safety of all communities
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