UK Government Urges Reversal of Ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Attending Europa League Match
UEFA and British political leaders are pressing for a reversal of a controversial decision to ban fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending a Europa League game against Aston Villa on November 6, citing security concerns and raising fears of escalating antisemitism. The ban has drawn widespread condemnation, prompting urgent government intervention to find a resolution.
Rising Tensions and Security Concerns
The initial decision, announced by West Midlands Police, stemmed from concerns about potential protests and public safety outside Villa Park. According to a statement released by Aston Villa, police informed the club they lacked the capacity to manage potential demonstrations during the match. Police officials deemed the game “high risk,” citing “current intelligence and previous incidents,” including clashes involving Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters during a Europa League match against Ajax in Amsterdam last season.
However, authorities emphasized there is no history of violence between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans. The escalating tensions are largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and a recent surge in antisemitic incidents across the United Kingdom.
Political Backlash and Government Intervention
The police recommendation sparked immediate backlash from political leaders. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the decision “the wrong decision,” asserting that “the role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.” A spokesperson for Starmer revealed the prime minister was “angered by the decision” and that the government was working “urgently to overturn it” on Friday.
Local officials have also voiced their opposition. Simon Foster, responsible for overseeing the Birmingham police force, called for an “immediate review,” while Mayor Richard Parker urged authorities to find “a workable solution,” potentially involving government funding to cover increased policing costs.
Echoes of Past Conflicts and Rising Antisemitism
The situation reflects a broader pattern of heightened security concerns surrounding matches involving Israeli teams in Europe. In Italy this week, a World Cup qualifier between Italy and Israel was played under heavy police guard, including snipers on stadium rooftops, following a large pro-Palestinian march. Clashes between protesters and police, involving water cannons and tear gas, erupted after the match.
Similarly, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s previous Europa League match in Thessaloniki, Greece, saw approximately 120 fans held behind a police cordon before entering the venue due to anticipated protests.
These incidents occur against a backdrop of rising antisemitism in the UK. According to the Community Security Trust, antisemitic incidents have reached record levels following Hamas’ October 7th attack on Israel and the subsequent military campaign in Gaza. Earlier this month, a synagogue was targeted in a violent attack, leaving two congregants dead.
UEFA and Fan Groups Oppose the Ban
European soccer’s governing body, UEFA, has urged British authorities to allow Maccabi Tel Aviv fans to attend the match. Football Supporters Europe, UEFA’s recognized advisory group, strongly opposed the ban, stating that such a measure would be a “first in England” and would likely “create additional risk by not offering a controlled and secured environment inside the stadium.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv chief executive Jack Angelides expressed “dismay” over the decision, warning that it could signal a broader trend. “I don’t use this term lightly but people ask, ‘What does antisemitism look like?’ And it’s often manifested as part of a process … in other words small events leading up to something that’s more sinister,” he told the BBC.
Personal Impact and Calls for Reconsideration
The ban has also drawn criticism from individuals directly affected by the conflict. Emily Damari, a British-Israeli dual national who was held captive by Hamas for over a year before being released in January, condemned the decision as counterproductive. “Football is a way of bringing people together irrespective of their faith, colour or religion, and this disgusting decision does the exact opposite,” she stated. “Shame on you. I hope you come to your senses and reconsider.”
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign, however, defended the scrutiny of Maccabi fans, citing “an egregious track record of racist violence” that led to their ban from Amsterdam.
As of Friday, the situation remained unresolved, with the UK government continuing to seek a solution that balances security concerns with the principles of inclusivity and freedom of expression.
