As a British Muslim, I’m outraged by Villa Park hate mob

It was a sad day for Britain, the West Midlands and me personally. This is the region where I grew up, got married, and have the honour of representing as a Councillor.

I also happen to be a Muslim woman of Persian heritage, and I feel it is my moral duty to speak out. The rise of Islamist extremism, often fuelled and financed by the Iranian regime, threatens not only Jews but the very fabric of our democracy.

It should surprise absolutely no one that the flag of the terrorist regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran was prominently raised in Aston last night – the clearest evidence that these so-called pro-Palestinian supporters have little interest in the human rights they profess to campaign for. It’s a grotesque moral inversion.

What we witnessed at Villa Park was an unmistakeable hate crime both against Jews and the true followers of Islam.

The Home Affairs Committee is absolutely right to have written to West Midlands Police to ascertain what informed their decision. Given the febrile atmosphere in the country and the growing concerns over extremism, it is essential that the police provide a full accounting.

Because right now, the public’s perception is that they surrendered to the very same hardliners who brough shame to Birmingham yesterday.

None of this is remotely surprising. For over two years, Britain’s streets have been filled with protests that, in reality, have often descended into antisemitic hate rallies.

These demonstrations have little to do with genuine concern for Palestinian civilians. If they did, protesters would be condemning the barbarity of Hamas, which brutalises both Israelis and Palestinians alike. Instead, they channel their rage into hatred against Jews; a hatred our society promised never to tolerate again.

The British police should be protecting both Jewish and Muslim communities from hatred, not reinforcing what many have labelled as two-tier policing.

The safety and dignity of one community cannot come at the expense of another. By banning Jewish fans from attending a football match, they have effectively rewarded those who spread violence.

This decision sends a dangerous signal that extremists can dictate public life in Britain simply by being the loudest and most threatening voices.

If we fail to challenge this now, we risk normalising hatred and division. Britain must not become a place where fear triumphs over freedom, or where prejudice dictates public order.

6th November will be remembered as a day of shame unless we find the courage to say “Enough”.