ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF

The British government is reviewing a decision to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending next month’s Europa Conference League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham, after local authorities cited safety concerns.

The ban, announced by Aston Villa on Thursday, followed advice from the Security Advisory Group and West Midlands Police, who warned of potential protests and risks to public safety outside Villa Park.

The move quickly drew widespread criticism, including from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who said the decision was wrong and emphasized that police must ensure all fans can attend matches without fear.

“We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets,” Starmer said, with his office now reportedly working to overturn the ruling for the match scheduled for Thursday, November 6.

Heightened tensions surrounding Israeli sports teams

The controversy comes amid heightened tensions surrounding Israeli sports teams, following last year’s violent clashes around a Maccabi Tel Aviv-Ajax match in Amsterdam and ongoing protests at international events during the war in Gaza.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks to members of the Jewish community at the Community Security Trust (CST), where he discussed the Government's response to the attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester, in north west London, Britain, October 16, 2025.
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks to members of the Jewish community at the Community Security Trust (CST), where he discussed the Government's response to the attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester, in north west London, Britain, October 16, 2025. (credit: CARLOS JASSO/REUTERS)

Jewish organizations also condemned the ban. The Campaign Against Antisemitism called it “pernicious,” accusing authorities of appeasing extremists and pledging to pursue legal action to reverse it.

The debate coincides with the government’s broader effort to combat antisemitism, including new security funding for Jewish institutions announced after the recent deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue.