UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the decision to ban supporters of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending their November 6 UEFA Europa League clash against Aston Villa, describing it as “the wrong decision,” The Independent reported on Friday.
Starmer’s remarks came after Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch blasted the move as “a national disgrace,” accusing authorities of sending “a horrendous and shameful message” that there are parts of Britain “where Jews simply cannot go.”
The Prime Minister joined calls for Birmingham City Council’s Safety Advisory Group and West Midlands Police to reverse the decision and allow Maccabi fans to attend the match at Villa Park.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Starmer criticised the Birmingham authorities for bowing to concerns rather than ensuring proper security for all fans.
“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,” he wrote.
Aston Villa announced late Thursday that the club had been instructed by the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) — the body responsible for issuing matchday safety certificates — that no away fans would be permitted for the fixture at Villa Park on November 6.
According to the club, the SAG reached the decision after advice from West Midlands Police, who raised public safety concerns outside the stadium and cited potential difficulties in managing protests during the match.
“Following a meeting this afternoon, the SAG have formally written to the club and UEFA to advise that no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture. 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,” Aston Villa said in a statement.
Badenoch, responding to the club’s announcement on X, criticised the move, calling it an unacceptable failure of the government’s promise to ensure safety for 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,” she wrote.
UEFA and Maccabi Tel Aviv have yet to issue formal statements on the development.
