The government is exploring what “additional resources and support” are required so that all fans can attend the Aston Villa match next month, it said.
West Midlands Police are expected to come forward with a view early next week as to what additional resources could allow them to safely police the game, with all fans in attendance.
The Home Office was briefed about possible restrictions on the Maccabi Tel Aviv match with Aston Villa last week, police have revealed.
The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), a specialist team which works to help reduce incidents of football violence, said they helped West Midlands Police to access full details of previous incidents in Amsterdam.
“Following this, the Home Office were briefed last week by the UKFPU about the potential issues and options that the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) may take including restrictions on visiting fans,” the UKFPU said in a statement.
The revelation comes after criticism from the prime minister over the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending a match against Aston Villa in Birmingham next month.
West Midlands Police said they had classified the fixture as high risk based on “current intelligence and previous incidents”, including violent clashes that occurred during a match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam last year.
Downing Street said discussions are happening “at pace, across Government” and Culture secretary Lisa Nandy is among the senior government officials set to meet on Friday in a bid to overturn the decision.
Key Points
- Home Office briefed a week ago on potential ban
- Senior government figures to meet in attempt to reverse decision
- Starmer says ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending Aston Villa game is ‘wrong decision’
- West Midlands police commissioner calls for review of decision
- How violent Amsterdam football riot unfolded – and why police have banned Israeli fans from Aston Villa
Watch: Birmingham MP defends ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending Aston Villa game
19:30 , Maira ButtFormer top prosecutor calls for fans to be allowed to attend match - escorted by police
19:00 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Former top prosecutor Nazir Afzal told The Independent: “I wouldn’t ban the Maccabi football fans from the Aston Villa match as awful as their chants might be, but I understand why the police are concerned.
“I would escort them to the match, let them watch their team … and then escort them away afterwards.”
Kemi Badenoch brands Maccabi Tel Aviv supporter ban a 'national disgrace'
18:30 , Athena StavrouHome Secretary says all fans should be able to watch their team in safety
18:30 , Harriette BoucherHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood, the MP for Birmingham Ladywood, said: “Antisemitism is a stain on our society that shames us all”.
“Every football fan, whoever they are, should be able to watch their team in safety,” she posted on X.
“This Government is doing everything in our power to ensure all fans can safely attend the game.”
It was revealed earlier today that the Home Office knew of the possible match restrictions last week.
Government exploring 'additional resources' so Israeli fans can attend Aston Villa match
18:08 , Harriette BoucherA government spokesperson said it is exploring additional resources and support so all fans can attend the Aston Villa match next month.
“No one should be stopped from watching a football game simply because of who they are,” it said in a statement.
“The Government is working with policing and other partners to do everything in our power to ensure this game can safely go ahead, with all fans present.”
It said it expected West Midlands Police to come forward with an idea as to what additional resources could allow all fans to attend.
Keir Starmer has to tread a fine line between telling West Midlands Police how to do their job and expressing his – justified – outrage at their error, says John Rentoul:
A football ban for Jewish fans is a disgrace that shames Britain
Zarah Sultana calls for ban on Israeli football teams
17:45 , Maira ButtFormer Labour and now Independent MP Zarah Sultana has backed the bar on Israeli football fans attending the Aston Villa match and called for UEFA to “ban all Israeli teams”.
“Next UEFA must ban all Israeli teams. We cannot have normalisation with genocide and apartheid,” she wrote on X.
She said: “Apartheid South Africa was banned from the Olympics for 32 years.
“The same people who called Nelson Mandela a “terrorist” now say we can’t boycott apartheid Israel.
“They were on the wrong side of history then — and they’re on the wrong side of history now. You don’t have “normal relations” with genocide and apartheid.
“Boycott, divestment and sanctions until Palestine is free.”
Apartheid South Africa was banned from the Olympics for 32 years.
— Zarah Sultana MP (@zarahsultana) October 17, 2025
The same people who called Nelson Mandela a “terrorist” now say we can’t boycott apartheid Israel.
They were on the wrong side of history then — and they’re on the wrong side of history now.
You don’t have…
Shadow transport minister blasts Maccabi Tel Aviv fan: 'It's unbelievable'
17:31 , Athena StavrouCST to seek judicial review
17:01 , Athena StavrouThe Campaign Against Antisemitism has said it will seek a judicial review against the decision to ban fans of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending their team’s match against Aston Villa next month.
A spokesperson for the group said: “We are today notifying Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police of our intention to bring a judicial review of the decision to ban away fans from attending the match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
“Our lawyers are writing to the council and police in accordance with the pre-action protocol for judicial review.
“Police forces and local councils must do whatever it takes to ensure that Britain is safe for everyone. The decision has rightly been condemned by the government and opposition parties. We understand that the decision was not made by Aston Villa.
“We will do whatever it takes to overturn this pernicious ban which has humiliated and angered the whole country.
“Britain is increasingly waking up to the extremism in our midst but now we must all fight the instinctive appeasement within the authorities and our law enforcement.”
MPs demand explanation from West Midlands Police
16:35 , Athena StavrouMPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee have demanded an explanation from West Midlands Police of its decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending next month’s match against Aston Villa.
In a letter to Chief Constable Craig Guildford, committee chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage said the decision “undermines the principle that football, our national game, is for everyone”.
She said: “We are deeply concerned that your force does not believe it is capable of keeping football fans safe were away fans, including those who live in the UK, to be allowed to attend the match.”
The committee asked the chief constable for the reasons the force did not believe it could police the match if away fans attended, what would change that belief, what alternatives were considered and whether the force was confident Tel Aviv’s players and staff would be safe.
In a separate statement, Dame Caroline said: “The police need to be open about how and why they reached the decision that a ban was the only way of guaranteeing public safety, and whether there is a route to reversing what is a deeply regrettable situation.”
Birmingham City Council refuse to review ban
16:21 , Athena StavrouBirmingham City Council said the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a Europa League match at Aston Villa in November would not be reviewed unless there was a change in the risk assessment provided by West Midlands Police.
A council spokesperson said: “The Safety Advisory Group has made a decision based on a risk assessment provided by West Midlands Police.
“If there is a change in the assessment of risk in the forthcoming match between Aston Villa Football Club and Maccabi Tel Aviv, then the Safety Advisory Group will commit to review its decision as appropriate.”
Badenoch: Home secretary has 'serious questions to answer'
16:01 , Athena StavrouKemi Badenoch said the home secretary had “serious questions to answer” after it emerged her department was briefed Maccabi Tel Aviv fans might be banned from attending a match against Aston Villa.
The Conservative leader said: “This is a weak government that fails to act when required.
“Now we learn the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, knew Jewish football fans were being banned from a UK stadium, and did nothing.
“Just like Starmer did nothing when he found out the China spy case was collapsing.
“The home secretary has serious questions to answer.
“Only the Conservatives have the backbone to stand up for the safety of Jews and defend our national security.”
PSC express support for fan ban
15:38 , Athena StavrouThe Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) has said it supports the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a Europa League match at Aston Villa next month and criticised the Prime Minister for opposing the action.
Ben Jamal, director of the PSC, said: “(Sir Keir) Starmer’s willingness to conflate opposition to Israel’s crimes with antisemitism has now taken him to a place where he defends, supposedly in the name of anti-racism, the rights of avowedly anti-Palestinian, Islamophobic, violent thugs to demonstrate their hate in a British city and at a football match.
“The Maccabi fan base has an egregious track record of racist violence that led them to being banned from the city of Amsterdam. Starmer wants Birmingham to host people who chant for Palestinians to be raped and their villages burned.
“The fixture should not be going ahead. Israel and all Israeli clubs should be removed from international competitions.”
Why are Maccabi Tel Aviv fans banned from Aston Villa game and why is it controversial?
15:20 , Maira Butt
Why are Maccabi Tel Aviv fans banned from Aston Villa and why is it controversial?
How did last year's Amsterdam attacks involving Maccabi fans unfold?
15:00 , Maira ButtWest Midlands Police cited “previous incidents” involving Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans.
Last year, violent clashes broke out between Ajax fans and supporters of the Israeli football team.
Amsterdam’s police chief said Maccabi supporters attacked a taxi and set a Palestinian flag on fire the day before the match.
But Mayor Halsema said the actions were no excuse for what came later as violence erupted in the European city.
Holly Evans unpacks how last year’s clashes unfolded:
The football riot that led police to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Aston Villa game
Full report: Starmer condemns 'wrong decision' to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans
14:38 , Athena Stavrou
Starmer doing ‘everything in his power’ to overturn ban on Maccabi fans at match
Watch: MP defends ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending Aston Villa game
14:19 , Athena StavrouPro-Palestine groups praise ban
14:01 , Athena StavrouSome Pro-Palestine groups have praised the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a football match in Birmingham.
Groups including Youth Front for Palestine, Game Over Israel, and Football Against Apartheid posted a joint statement on social media, saying the move was the “bare minimum”.
“This victory is a clear example of pressure working,” it said.
“We won’t stop until Israel is out of UEFA and FIFA.”
Watch: Kemi Badenoch brands Maccabi Tel Aviv supporter ban a 'national disgrace'
13:50 , Maira ButtBadenoch urges PM to intervene
13:40 , Athena StavrouThe home secretary or the prime minister must intervene to overturn the ban on fans of an Israeli football team attending a match in Birmingham, Kemi Badenoch said.
The Conservative leader told broadcasters the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters was “a national disgrace”, adding: “We cannot be a country where we tell Jewish people that they can’t come to watch football because their security is not going to be looked after.
“What I want to see is the police finding ways to make sure they can be secure, and sending the message to the Islamists and those that are pushing anti-Jewish hatred that this does not happen in the UK.”
Asked if the police should overturn the ban, Mrs Badenoch said: “Yes they should, and if not the Home Secretary should get involved.”
She added: “They need to give confidence to Jewish people in our country and if the Home Secretary can’t do it, then the Prime Minister should.
“He needs to show that he has got a backbone and isn’t so weak that he will just allow Jewish people to be terrorised here.”
Former top prosecutor calls for fans to be allowed to attend match - escorted by police
13:23 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Former top prosecutor Nazir Afzal told The Independent: “I wouldn’t ban the Maccabi football fans from the Aston Villa match as awful as their chants might be, but I understand why the police are concerned.
“I would escort them to the match, let them watch their team … and then escort them away afterwards.”
Home Office was briefed on potential restrictions last week, UK Football Policing Unit says
13:01 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin reports:
The Home Office was briefed about safety fears and possible restrictions on the Maccabi Tel Aviv match with Aston Villa last week, the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) has revealed.
The specialist team, which works to help reduce incidents of football violence, said they helped West Midlands Police to access full details of previous incidents in Amsterdam.
“Following this, the Home Office were briefed last week by the UKFPU about the potential issues and options that the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) may take including restrictions on visiting fans,” the UKFPU said in a statement.
“The Safety Advisory Group is made up of independent bodies who make recommendations to the licensing authorities and the priority is always the safety of those attending matches and the wider public. This process was supported the Sports Ground Safety Authority.
“It is important that we respect and support the structures in place for making these decisions. If there are any adverse incidents, then they are the ones that will be held responsible.”
They repeated their suggestion that if the government want a role in regulating major football events, they need to change the law to take responsibility for the decision-making.
The statement added: “The UKFPU, in the wake of the Casey Review following the serious disorder at Wembley in 2021, has suggested that if the government want a role in regulating football events that could be termed ‘events of national significance’, then they need to bring forward legislation to formalise this to ensure accountability sits with decision-makers.”
Starmer 'angered' by decision
12:51 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer was “angry” when he saw the decision to bar Israeli fans from a football match next month, No 10 has said.
A No 10 spokesman said: “The prime minister will do everything in his power to give Jewish communities the security they deserve and, as he has made clear, we think this is the wrong decision.
“Like everyone seeing this news, the PM has been angered by the decision.
“Football has been a unifying force for decades and everyone should be able to attend a football match without fear of violence or intimidation regardless of their religion, nationality or background.
“We should not have a country where we have to tell people to stay away from certain events because we cannot protect them, or they may be a victim of racism.
“This Government will everything in its power to heal society and tackle divisions. We want a Britain built for all and we will never tolerate antisemitism on the streets.
“While of course this is an operational decision, we are perfectly entitled to speak out on fundamental principles of fairness like this.
“Ministers across Government have been urgently working to support the police and local authority to ensure all fans can enjoy the game safely.”
Further update on decision expected today
12:16 , Athena StavrouDiscussions are happening “at pace, across Government” to resolve the ban on Israeli fans attending a football game in Birmingham, Downing Street has said.
A No 10 spokesman told reporters: “Conversations began on this last night.
“You will have seen the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner has asked police and Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group to immediately review the decision.
“Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is meeting officials to discuss what more can be done to try and find a way through to resolve this, and what more can be done to allow fans to attend the game safely.
“The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, spoke to the local council this morning, and the Home Office is urgently working to support police to try and find a way through this.
“You can expect to hear further updates today. I won’t pre-empt the conversations, but these are happening at pace, across Government, with all the relevant groups to find and resolve this.”
Sadiq Khan 'surprised' at decision to ban Israeli fans
12:05 , Athena StavrouMayor of London Sadiq Khan has said “It did surprise me” after Birmingham City authorities announced a ban on Israeli fans attending a football match in the city.
“Whatever big events take place, a lot of work takes place to make sure it happens safely,” he said.
“I’m not sure of the details in relation to the decision taken by the West Midlands Police or the local SAG, all I know is what I’ve seen in the media.
“It did surprise me in terms of all away fans being banned from a certain team.
He added: “Lets wait and see what decision the council and the police take as a consequence of the concerns raised by the decision.”
Mayor calls for review if government wiling to support
11:39 , Athena StavrouThe decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match in Birmingham should be reviewed if the Government will finance some policing costs, the mayor of the West Midlands has said.
Richard Parker wrote on social media: “Football is about bringing people together. Everyone who loves the game should have the chance to attend.
“The first priority is the safety of individuals in and around Birmingham and Villa Park – that is paramount. Whilst I respect West Midlands Police, if the government are willing to support in terms of resource then there should be a review of the decision that has been made.
“Whilst I don’t oversee policing in the region, I want to work alongside Aston Villa, the government, the Home Office, the council and West Midlands Police to broker a solution that keeps the spirit of inclusive and accessible sport alive – whilst ensuring the safety of local people and visitors.
“I’d like all parties to work together to find a workable solution that can be implemented.”
Decision 'really worrying', president of Jewish Villa supporters club
11:31 , Athena StavrouThe honorary president of Aston Villa Jewish Villans supporters’ club, Andrew Fox, said the decision to stop fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending the club’s Europa League match in Birmingham sends a “really worrying message” about British society.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme: “Like I said it’s not just about Maccabi Tel Aviv.
“It’s obviously about much wider issues surrounding the Gaza war, and that sends a really worrying message about British society – that we aren’t civilised enough to have a debate over this without it descending into football violence or violent attacks on fans who are coming from another country just because we disagree with that country’s policies.
“It just makes a very febrile political situation worse I think.”
Zarah Sultana calls for ban on Israeli football teams
11:21 , Athena StavrouFormer Labour and now Independent MP Zarah Sultana has backed the bar on Israeli football fans attending the Aston Villa match and called for UEFA to “ban all Israeli teams”.
“Next UEFA must ban all Israeli teams. We cannot have normalisation with genocide and apartheid,” she wrote on X.
She said: “Apartheid South Africa was banned from the Olympics for 32 years.
“The same people who called Nelson Mandela a “terrorist” now say we can’t boycott apartheid Israel.
“They were on the wrong side of history then — and they’re on the wrong side of history now. You don’t have “normal relations” with genocide and apartheid.
Boycott, divestment and sanctions until Palestine is free.”
Apartheid South Africa was banned from the Olympics for 32 years.
— Zarah Sultana MP (@zarahsultana) October 17, 2025
The same people who called Nelson Mandela a “terrorist” now say we can’t boycott apartheid Israel.
They were on the wrong side of history then — and they’re on the wrong side of history now.
You don’t have…
Watch: Birmingham MP defends ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending Aston Villa game
11:05 , Athena StavrouGreen deputy leader says Starmer 'irresponsible' for opposing ban
10:54 , Athena StavrouThe prime minister’s objection to banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a match against Aston Villa in Birmingham was “irresponsible”, the Green Party’s deputy leader has said.
Mothin Ali said: “Everyone should be able to feel safe when they attend a football match, that’s non-negotiable.
“It’s irresponsible for Keir Starmer to question a safety decision of a local authority, especially when he is responsible for their chronic underfunding.”
Mr Ali also called for “a sporting and cultural boycott of all Israeli teams, like we saw for South African teams under apartheid”.
He said: “Under normal circumstances, supporters from across the fanbase should be allowed to attend and provision taken to ban violent elements, such as the ultras.
“But these are not normal circumstances: these games are taking place in the context of thousands of civilians being killed in Gaza, the illegal occupation of Palestinian land, and the upholding of a system of apartheid.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv boss says ban 'difficult to understand'
10:39 , Athena StavrouThe chief executive of Maccabi Tel Aviv said he did not want to take security issues lightly but said the team has travelled to places such as Turkey where he said the sentiment is “not so kind towards Israeli teams” but the police “were out in force” and there were no incidents.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Jack Angelides said: “So I do find it somewhat difficult to understand why this has come to pass in the sense that our fans cannot be secure in attending this match.
“And also begs the question a little bit to be honest – well, there is a delegation coming of management, of players, and all the supporting staff, are we saying that they will be secure also or that there are issues with them?”
Asked if he thinks they will be secure, Mr Angelides said he trusts in the authorities and has not heard anything that has suggested they would not be.
He said there would normally be well over a thousand Maccabi fans expected at the game.
West Midlands police commissioner calls for review of decision
10:16 , Athena StavrouWest Midlands police and crime commissioner Simon Foster has called for Birmingham council officials and West Midlands Police to review the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the club’s Europa League match at Aston Villa in November.
In a statement, he said: “The safety and security of all the people and communities of the West Midlands, including visitors to the West Midlands, is my top priority. That is absolute, unconditional and non-negotiable.
“I have today requested Birmingham City Council Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and West Midlands Police (WMP) convene a special SAG at the earliest possible opportunity and conduct an immediate review of the decision to prohibit the attendance of away fans at the football match between Aston Villa FC v Maccabi Tel Aviv FC, on Thursday November 6.
“The purpose of my request for a review is to enable the SAG and WMP to determine whether or not this decision and recommendation is appropriate, necessary, justified, reasonable and a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. That must include consideration of all and any suitable alternative options.
“My request for a review of this decision has included a request for immediate sight of the written decision and recommendation of the SAG, the event operational plan, the assessment carried out by WMP and any other documentation relevant to the decision and recommendation.
“The purpose of my request for sight of this documentation is to satisfy myself on an evidence-led and informed basis as to whether or not this decision and recommendation is appropriate, necessary, justified, reasonable and a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim, including whether all and any suitable alternative options have been considered.
“However, let me be clear: any decision or recommendation is ultimately a matter for the Birmingham City Council SAG and the independent, objective and impartial operational policing judgment of West Midlands Police.
“I repeat, the safety and security of all the people and communities of the West Midlands, including visitors to the West Midlands, is my top priority.
“That is absolute, unconditional and non-negotiable.”
Shadow transport minister blasts Maccabi Tel Aviv fan: 'It's unbelievable'
10:15 , Athena StavrouFull statement from West Midlands Police:
10:05 , Athena StavrouWest Midlands Police has a strong track record of successfully policing football matches and other high-risk public 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.
Following a thorough assessment, we have classified the upcoming Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv fixture as high risk.
We have actively engaged with a wide range of local partners and community representatives in preparation for this fixture, and continue to participate in the Safety Advisory Group.
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.
Based on our professional judgement, we believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety.
We remain steadfast in our support all affected communities, and reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on hate crime in all its forms.
How violent Amsterdam football riot unfolded – and why police have banned Israeli fans from Aston Villa
09:57 , Athena StavrouAs government officials are set to meet over the ban, The Independent takes a look back at what happened in Amsterdam last autumn:
Watch: Birmingham MP defends ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending Aston Villa game
09:55 , Athena StavrouBritish-Israeli former hostage speaks out about ban
09:54 , Athena StavrouEmily Damari, a British-Israeli who was held captive by Hamas for more than a year before being released in January, and who supports football teams Maccabi Tel Aviv and Tottenham Hotspur, said the decision to ban Israeli fans attending a match against Aston Villa was “outrageous”.
She said: “I am shocked to my core with this outrageous decision to ban me, my family and my friends from attending an Aston Villa game in the UK.
“Football is a way of bringing people together irrespective of their faith, colour or religion, and this disgusting decision does the exact opposite.
“Shame on you. I hope you come to your senses and reconsider.
“I do wonder what exactly has become of UK society. This is like putting a big sign on the outside of a stadium saying: ‘No Jews allowed’.
“What has become of the UK where blatant antisemitism has become the norm? What a sad world we are living in.”
Uefa urges UK to allow Maccabi Tel Aviv to attend match
09:53 , Athena StavrouUefa, which runs the Europa League, urged UK authorities to make sure Maccabi Tel Aviv fans could attend the match in Birmingham.
In a statement, it said: “Uefa wants fans to be able to travel and support their team in a safe, secure and welcoming environment, and encourages both teams and the competent authorities to agree on the implementation of appropriate measures necessary to allow this to happen.
“In all cases, the competent local authorities remain responsible for decisions related to the safety and security of matches taking place on their territory, such decisions being determined on the basis of thorough risk assessments, which vary from match to match and take into consideration previous circumstances.”
Senior government figures to meet in attempt to reverse decision
09:48 , Athena StavrouSenior Government figures will meet on Friday to “see if there’s a way through” a ban on Israeli fans attending a football match in Birmingham, a minister has said.
Culture department minister Ian Murray told Sky News that the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters attending next month’s match against Aston Villa was the “wrong decision” by Birmingham’s safety advisory group.
Mr Murray told the broadcaster: “The Prime Minister and the Government have been clear about that. In fact, pretty much every politician has been clear about that.”
He added: “It’s just completely and utterly unacceptable, and the Prime Minister has said we will do everything we possibly can to resolve this issue.
“It’s an operational issue for the police, and Government doesn’t get involved in operational issues for the police.
“But I know the Culture Secretary of State (Lisa Nandy) will be meeting with the Home Office and other stakeholders today to try and see if there’s a way through this.”
Starmer says ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending Aston Villa game is ‘wrong decision’
09:46 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer has condemned a decision to ban supporters of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv from their team’s match against Aston Villa as “the wrong decision”.
The prime minister joined calls for Birmingham City Council’s Safety Advisory Group and West Midlands Police to reverse the decision and allow Maccabi fans to attend the game.
He said 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.”
This is the wrong decision.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 16, 2025
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.https://t.co/8aBeqE4qbA
