Shabana Mahmood was informed by police last week that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans could be barred from attending an Aston Villa fixture, it has emerged.
Sources said that the Home Secretary did not object to the controversial plans to ban around 1,000 Israeli supporters from the European clash in Birmingham on safety grounds.
But Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer savaged the decision and said the Government would do “everything in our power” to overturn it, with Culture, Media and Sports Secretary Lisa Nandy meeting officials this weekend.
On Thursday, the city's Safety Advisory Group (SAG) — which is composed of representatives of the local council, emergency services and event organisers — decided that away fans should not be permitted to attend the UEFA Europa League match on November 6.
Ms Mahmood was notified of the plans by Craig Guildford, chief constable of West Midlands Police, during a meeting to discuss enforcement powers at demonstrations but did not intervene, The Times reports.
The Home Office asked for a full briefing from the UK Football Policing Unit, which was completed by October 8.
Briefings highlighted previous incidents, including "violent clashes and hate crime offences" between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax supporters before and after kick-off in Amsterdam on November 6, 2024.
According to the BBC, the department had been briefed that the restrictions might be imposed, but were not informed about the final outcome.
In a statement, the UKFPU — which is part of the National Police Chiefs’ Council — said the law would have to be altered if ministers wanted a say in such matters.
It said: “Then they need to bring forward legislation to formalise this to ensure accountability sits with decision-makers.”
Chris Philp, a former policing minister, said there were powers available under the Police Act 1996 to direct officers to protect Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from threats of violence.
The shadow home secretary said: “It is unacceptable to allow the threat of antisemitic mob violence to dictate who can or can’t attend a football match.”
Dame Caroline Dinenage, chairman of the Culture, Media and Sports Committee, said the decision was "at odds with the principle that football in this country is for everyone."
