Downing Street has landed in hot water after Israeli football fans were banned from a Birmingham Europa League clash. Furious critics now reveal the government knew about the fan ban a full week before the public backlash.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer slammed the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters as “wrong,” warning Britain must never become a place where fans are told to avoid certain matches.
Whitehall Was in the Know
The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) confirmed the Home Office was briefed last week about Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group mulling restrictions — including a total ban on visiting fans.
UKFPU helped West Midlands Police gather intel on violent clashes involving Maccabi fans during their last away game in Amsterdam. This intelligence shaped local risk assessments.
“The Home Office were briefed last week by UKFPU about potential issues and options the Safety Advisory Group may take, including restrictions on visiting fans,” confirmed UKFPU.
This raises serious questions on why senior ministers seemed blindsided by Thursday’s bombshell announcement. UKFPU stressed Safety Advisory Groups are independent panels of local councils, emergency services, and police tasked with matchday safety.
They added ministers would need fresh legislation to step in officially.
Ministers Race to U-Turn
Despite knowing of the plan, top Cabinet figures including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, and Communities Secretary Steve Reed scrambled to reverse the ban ahead of the 6 November Aston Villa fixture.
Downing Street confirmed Starmer’s fury, with the PM warning that police must protect ALL football fans from violence — not exclude them.
Starmer vowed zero tolerance on antisemitism across Britain’s streets.
Cross-Party Outrage: A “National Disgrace”
- Conservative Kemi Badenoch branded the ban a “national disgrace” that endangers UK Jewish communities.
- Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey blasted the decision as punishing antisemitism victims and demanded an immediate reversal.
- Reform UK’s Nigel Farage slammed the ban as “unprecedented racial discrimination” and questioned Birmingham’s ability to host international matches safely.
Birmingham MP Ayoub Khan defended the ban, insisting policing must stay free from political interference. He cited past violent, racist outbursts from Maccabi fans in Amsterdam and called for consistency with bans on Russian teams due to the Ukraine war.
Police Stand Their Ground: Safety First
West Midlands Police defended their “high risk” rating. They recalled 60 arrests in Amsterdam last year linked to fan violence, racist chants, and property damage.
They argue banning visiting fans cuts risks and backs impartial policing with zero tolerance for hate crimes.
Jewish Leaders and Israel Furious Over Ban
The Jewish Leadership Council condemned the exclusion, saying it punishes victims instead of protecting them.
They urged Aston Villa to face sanctions or stage the match behind closed doors if safety is in doubt.
Andrew Fox, a leading Aston Villa Jewish supporter, warned the ban sends a dangerous political message and sparks concerns about societal attitudes.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar slammed the move as “shameful and cowardly,” calling on the UK to reconsider.
Police Commissioner Demands Full Review
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has launched an immediate investigation. He wants all Safety Advisory Group documents and police risk assessments scrutinised.
“The safety and security of all people in the West Midlands is my top priority. That is absolute, unconditional and non-negotiable,” Foster declared.
UEFA Pushes to Get Fans Back In
The European football boss ruled the ban “disappointing” and urged a swift solution so Israeli fans can safely attend.
While UEFA respects local decisions, it called on all sides to find security compromises.
This will be Maccabi Tel Aviv’s first away Europa League trip since anti-Israel protests marred their Greek fixture last month.
