BBC criticised for Maccabi fan ban interview at mosque where preacher called for death of Israeli ‘oppressors’

Al Falaah is one of eight mosques consulted by West Midlands Police (WMP) before the decision to ban the away team’s supporters was made.

The interview was part of a news report broadcast two weeks before the fixture against Aston Villa.

Speaking to BBC Midlands about the fan ban, Al Falaah’s general secretary, Adil Parker, said: “The decision has been made on surely an independent analysis by the police which deemed this fixture has to be high risk.

“High risk means a risk for our local community here, for places of worship and other people which live here. It is really important that the safety and security of all the local community is at the centre of this fixture, so we welcome this decision.”

In October last year, during a packed prayer session referring to the war in Gaza, a preacher said of the “oppressors”: “Count them by numbers and kill them all and don't let any of them get away.”

Just nine days before the BBC interview, a cleric was filmed claiming the conflict was related to the al-Aqsa mosque.

The cleric said: “There is no greater oppression in the eyes of Allah than what Israel does at al-Aqsa. They want to destroy it!”

He called on his followers to “liberate” Al-Aqsa, saying: “Return Al-Aqsa mosque to the Muslims, and use us to liberate it.”

“Allah, give them a great victory soon,” he went on, “give them victory against the disbelievers.”

In March 2025, a cleric called Israelis “worse than animals” and the “enemies of Allah”.

Videos of these sermons had been posted by the mosque online and were shared by an anonymous social media account after it emerged the mosque had been consulted by WMP ahead of its decision to bar Maccabi fans.

The JC understands that the mosque’s anti-Israel speakers only came to the BBC’s attention after the interview with the general secretary.

Former independent adviser on political violence and disruption Lord Walney said: “West Midlands Police’s scandalous mishandling of its ban on Israelis has lifted the lid on the problem of extremism within this country.

“The police must take full responsibility for their role in turning England’s second city into a Jew-free zone.”

Walney called for the BBC to “explain why it gave a platform” to the mosque.

Shadow culture secretary, Nigel Huddleston, said: “The BBC faces yet more serious questions about its editorial standards.

“At a time when Jewish communities are facing rising antisemitism, the BBC should be exercising extreme care over whose voices it amplifies.”

Chief Constable Craig Guildford confirmed in his Community Impact Assessment report on December 19 that the force had carried out “extensive community engagement” prior to the fixture, including with Muslim community leaders and mosque representatives.

Responding to the story, a spokesman for Masjid Al Falaah said: “The quotes you cite are selectively extracted from sermons delivered over a long period and stripped of religious, historical and emotional context. They reflect supplicatory language used during times of profound distress, particularly regarding Al-Aqsa and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. They are not calls to violence, nor do they represent any instruction to act for violence.

“We categorically reject any suggestion that this mosque promotes violence or hatred. We do not endorse language dehumanising any group. Our position is consistent and clear: we uphold the sanctity of all human life.

“We unequivocally condemn all attacks on civilians, without exception.

“Our engagement with West Midlands Police was undertaken in good faith as a responsible community stakeholder in the locality. We relayed safety concerns from local residents and businesses as our mosque is on the same road as Aston Villa. We did not influence or determine policing decisions.

“Hosting a speaker does not amount to endorsement of their views.

“We wholly reject any attempt to label this mosque ‘extremist’.”

A BBC spokesperson said: "This item from October 2025 featured a range of voices including a representative from Aston Villa's Jewish Supporters Club, followed by a discussion with three politicians with different perspectives. We will continue to report on this story as it develops, reflecting new information as it comes to light."

The JC approached WMP for comment.