Fury after Maccabi Tel Aviv fans banned from Aston Villa match over ‘safety’ - The Jewish Chronicle

A decision to block Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending attend their side's Europa League match with Aston Villa on safety grounds has prompted outrage.

West Midlands Police said the decision was made partly because of what happened during the Israeli side’s match against Ajax in Amsterdam last year, when its fans were hunted and beaten by locals.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer criticised the move, saying "we will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets" and that the role of police was "to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation".

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch branded the decision a "national disgrace" and suggested Sir Keir should act to reverse it.

She wrote on X that Starmer should "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."

The Jewish Leadership Council blasted the move, saying it was "perverse that away fans should be banned from a football match because West Midlands Police can't guarantee their safety".

It added: "Aston Villa should face the consequences of this decision and the match should be played behind closed doors."

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.https://t.co/8aBeqE4qbA
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 16, 2025

Aston Villa said the decision followed safety concerns raised by officers over the November 6 group tie.

It said in a statement: "Following a meeting this afternoon, the SAG has formally written to the club and Uefa to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture.

"West Midlands Police have advised the SAG that they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night.

"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."

Villa Park stadium. (Photo: Arne Müseler)Arne Müseler

In a statement, West Midlands Police said the upcoming game had been classified as "high risk" following a "thorough assessment".

"West Midlands Police supports the decision to prohibit away supporters from attending," a spokesperson said.

"This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.

"Based on our professional judgement, we believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety.

"We remain steadfast in our support all affected communities, and reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on hate crime in all its forms."

The FA has been contacted for comment.

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Football