'Pathetic' decision banning Israeli fans from Aston Villa game branded 'national disgrace'

The decision that no Maccabi Tel Aviv fans should attend the team's match with Aston Villa at Villa Park on November 6 has been branded a "national disgrace" by Tory Leader Kemi Badenoch.

She said: "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."

Earlier today, the Football Club said it had "been informed that no away fans may attend the UEFA Europa League match with Maccabi Tel Aviv" after a directive from both the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and UEFA. The SAG was advised on safety concerns held by the West Midlands Police.

The decision has been met with an outpouring of anger from across the political spectrum. Labour MP Luke Akehurst said: "This is absolutely pathetic. If there is a threat to the safety of visiting Israeli fans, the job of the police is to protect them, not stop them attending."

Former Minister for the West Midlands Lord Austin said: "I am appalled that West Midlands Police said that no away fans should be allowed to come to the match. It looks like they have capitulated to a campaign by trouble-makers and abdicated their responsibility to ensure people can go about their lawful business safely.

"Birmingham is a great international city. It welcomes visitors from all over the world, and they must be able to come in safely. International sport is one of our most important exports, and this has major implications for fixtures in the future. Birmingham is one of the venues for the European Championships in 2028, but the police's decision must surely put that at risk if they are saying they can't guarantee pubic safety.

"The Chief Constable must review this immediately, and I will be asking the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to ask him to do so."

Shadow Sports Minister Louie French said: "Football and sports more generally have the enormous power of unifying people.

"This decision is a sad reflection of the antisemitism and sectarian hatred that the UK government has spectacularly failed to get a grip on. The Government must urgently seek to overturn this decision, sending a clear message that the UK remains open and safe for international sports fans.

"Any failure to do so will continue to undermine the Jewish community in Britain and jeopardise the UK's ability to host future tournaments, which will damage the significant economic contribution that sports make to our economy."

In an official statement, Aston Villa said: "Aston Villa can confirm the club has been informed that no away fans may attend the UEFA Europa League match with Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, November 6, following an instruction from the Safety Advisory Group.

"The Safety Advisory Group (SAG) are responsible for issuing safety certificates for every match at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors.

"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.

"West Midlands Police have advised the SAG that they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night.

"The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision."

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