UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has criticised the decision to bar Israeli fans from attending the UEFA Europa League match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 6, calling it “the wrong decision,” The Independent reported on Friday.
His comments followed a strong rebuke from Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who slammed the move as “a national disgrace,” claiming it sent a “horrendous and shameful message” suggesting that there are parts of Britain “where Jews simply cannot go.”
Both leaders are urging Birmingham City Council’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and West Midlands Police to reverse the decision and allow Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters to attend the match at Villa Park.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Starmer stated “This is the wrong decision. 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 announced late Thursday that the club had been directed by the SAG the body responsible for matchday safety to prohibit away fans from attending the fixture.
This followed concerns raised by West Midlands Police about managing potential protests and ensuring public safety outside the stadium.
“Following a meeting this afternoon, the SAG have formally written to the club and UEFA to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture,” the club said in a statement.
“The club is in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities, with the safety of all supporters and local residents being the top priority.”
Kemi Badenoch also took to X, condemning the move as an “unacceptable failure” of the government’s pledge to protect British Jews.
“This is a national disgrace. How have things come to this?
Starmer pledged that Jews are welcome and safe in Britain. That he stands shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community and will use the full force of his government to prove it.
Will he back those words with action and guarantee that Jewish fans can walk into any football stadium in this country? If not, it sends a horrendous and shameful message: there are parts of Britain where Jews simply cannot go.”
As of Friday, neither UEFA nor Maccabi Tel Aviv had issued formal statements regarding the ban.
Advertisement
