Keir Starmer Condemns Decision to Ban Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans From Aston Villa Match

• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticised a decision banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their Europa League game at Aston Villa.
• West Midlands Police classified the match as “high risk” after violence and hate crimes at a similar fixture in Amsterdam last season.
• Jewish community leaders called the decision “perverse,” urging UEFA and Aston Villa to take responsibility.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending next month’s Europa League fixture against Aston Villa, calling it “the wrong decision.”

The Nov. 6 match at Villa Park was deemed high risk by West Midlands Police, who cited security concerns and previous incidents of violence when Maccabi Tel Aviv played Ajax in Amsterdam during the 2024 Europa League season.

“This is the wrong decision,” Starmer wrote on X. “We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.”

Aston Villa said in a statement that the club was following police guidance. “They [West Midlands Police] have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night,” the statement read. “We are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision.”

West Midlands Police defended its position, saying it had a “strong track record” of policing major sporting events.

“We are committed to delivering fair and impartial policing, while balancing the public’s right to protest with our duty to ensure public safety,” a police spokesperson said. “Following a thorough assessment, we have classified the upcoming Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv fixture as high risk. While the safety certificate is issued by Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police supports the decision to prohibit away supporters from attending.

“This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam. We remain steadfast in our support of all affected communities, and reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on hate crime in all its forms.”

The ban will mean Maccabi Tel Aviv’s first away fixture in this season’s Europa League — since pro-Palestinian protests broke out during their game in Thessaloniki against PAOK on Sept. 24 — will take place without their supporters in the stands.

During that game in Greece, around 120 Israeli fans were escorted into the venue under police guard after protests erupted outside.

Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were also involved in violent clashes in Amsterdam last season during their Europa League meeting with Ajax.

The decision to block away supporters comes as European football’s governing body UEFA continues to face pressure over Israel’s participation in its competitions, though a recent ceasefire in Gaza has postponed a potential vote on suspension.

The Jewish Leadership Council in London condemned Thursday’s announcement, describing it as unfair. “It is perverse that away fans should be banned from a football match because West Midlands Police can’t guarantee their safety,” the organisation said. “Aston Villa should face the consequences of this decision and the match should be played behind closed doors.”