LONDON, UK — UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch have strongly condemned a decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending their UEFA Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6, calling the move “wrong” and a “national disgrace.”
Aston Villa announced on Thursday that the Birmingham City Council’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG), acting on advice from West Midlands Police, had instructed the club to prohibit away fans from the Villa Park fixture. The police reportedly cited significant public safety concerns and the potential for large-scale protests.
Prime Minister Starmer criticised the decision on X, stating, “This is the wrong decision. The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets.”
In a more forceful rebuke, Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch labelled the ban a “national disgrace.” She argued that the decision sends a “horrendous and shameful message: there are parts of Britain where Jews simply cannot go,” and challenged the Prime Minister to guarantee the safety of Jewish fans in all UK stadiums.
Both leaders have called for the decision to be reversed. As of Friday, UEFA and Maccabi Tel Aviv have not yet issued official statements on the ban.
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