UK government reviews ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans

The UK government held urgent discussions on Friday following a decision to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending their Europa League match at Aston Villa on November 6, a move 'Israel’s' government called “shameful.”

Villa said it was informed by the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which issues certificates for matches, that no away fans would be allowed.

“Shameful decision! I call on the UK authorities to reverse this coward decision,” 'Israel’s' Foreign Minister Gideon Saar wrote on X.

UK Prime Minister , an avid football fan, described the ban as “wrong.”

“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,” he wrote on X.

A spokesman for Starmer said talks were “happening at pace across government and with all the relevant groups to find a way to resolve this.” Culture Secretary was meeting interior ministry officials and other stakeholders.

UEFA, the governing body of the Europa League, urged clubs and authorities to “agree on the implementation of appropriate measures necessary to allow” Maccabi fans to attend.

Simon Foster, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, called for SAG and police to “conduct an immediate review” to see whether the ban is “appropriate” and “necessary.”

Villa said the ban was based on “public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl” after West Midlands Police classified the match as “high risk.” Police cited intelligence from previous incidents, including violent clashes during a 2024 Europa League match in Amsterdam between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

During that match, pro-Palestinian demonstrators and 'Israeli' fans clashed over two days. Maccabi supporters chanted anti-Arab slogans, vandalizing property, and pulled down a Palestinian flag.

Maccabi Tel Aviv CEO Jack Angelides said the team has played in other countries with anti-'Israeli' sentiment, but strong police presence ensured no incidents.