UK Government pushes to reverse ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans for Europa League clash at Aston Villa | OneFootball

The UK Government has intervened in an escalating row over the decision to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending their Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6, describing the move as “wrong” and pledging to work towards its reversal, as reported by Sky Sports.

The Safety Advisory Group (SAG) in Birmingham deemed the fixture a “high-risk” event, citing intelligence from West Midlands Police over potential disorder linked to recent tensions involving Israeli teams in Europe. The police pointed to violent clashes and hate crime offences during Maccabi’s 2024 match against Ajax as justification for the restriction.

However, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the ban, stating, “We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. The role of the police is to ensure all fans can enjoy the game without fear.” A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed the Government is in discussions with police and local authorities to change the decision.

Meanwhile, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has called for an “immediate review” of the SAG’s ruling, demanding access to all related assessments and operational plans.

Jewish Leadership Council: Villa should play behind closed doors

The Jewish Leadership Council equally condemned the decision, labelling it as “perverse,” suggesting, instead, that Villa should be forced to play the match behind closed doors as a consequence of the decision.

With UEFA insisting that fans should be able to attend “in a safe, secure and welcoming environment”, pressure is mounting on local authorities to find a compromise, one that balances security concerns with the principles of fairness, inclusion, and sporting integrity.

GFN | Finn Entwistle