Independent MP Ayoub Khan has slammed claims of antisemitism after backing West Midlands Police’s decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending the Europa League clash at Villa Park on November 6. Khan insists his stance is about “moral consistency” and security, not prejudice.
‘Moral Consistency’ Is His Defence
Representing Birmingham Perry Barr, Khan faced fierce backlash after initially calling to cancel the match entirely. Speaking on GB News, he compared the Israeli fan ban to the ongoing exclusion of Russian teams due to the Ukraine invasion.
“If I’ve supported banning Russian teams for atrocities in Ukraine, I must hold the same standard for Israeli teams,” Khan said.
Khan highlighted the deaths of over 800 Palestinian athletes in Gaza, including 350 footballers, naming 41-year-old Salam Soleimani who was reportedly killed while waiting for food. He also cited former Manchester United star Eric Cantona’s calls to boycott Israeli football as backing his position.
“There is a moral argument here. I’m not a racist, but standing up for principle has been twisted into something else,” he insisted.
PM Starmer Clashes With MP Over Ban
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hit out at the ban, calling it “wrong” and warning that antisemitism must never be tolerated in the UK.
“The police must ensure all fans enjoy the game without fear of violence or intimidation,” Starmer stated.
Khan fired back, accusing Starmer of meddling in police matters. He praised West Midlands Police for a thorough intelligence review that deemed the match unsafe to police safely.
“It’s disingenuous to label this decision antisemitic and disrespectful to the police’s hard work,” Khan said.
Maccabi Chief Warns of ‘Dangerous Precedent’
Jack Angelides, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s CEO, expressed concern the ban could spark a worrying trend against Jewish fans. Speaking to BBC Radio 4, he questioned why UK police claimed they couldn’t protect fans when the team has safely played in countries like Turkey, where anti-Israel sentiment is strong.
“Small exclusions like this can lead to something far worse — that’s what antisemitism looks like,” Angelides warned.
He stressed how British Jewish supporters are now being told it’s unsafe to watch a football match on home soil, calling the decision “deeply troubling.”
Political Uproar Grows as Government Scrambles
- Conservative Kemi Badenoch called the ban a “national disgrace.”
- Nigel Farage branded it racial discrimination and capitulation to intimidation.
- Liberal Democrat Sir Ed Davey slammed punishing victims of antisemitism as the wrong approach.
The Jewish Leadership Council urged Aston Villa to move the match behind closed doors if security fears are genuine.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and other ministers swiftly convened talks to reverse the ban. Science minister Ian Murray vowed the government would “do everything possible” to resolve the crisis.
West Midlands Police Cite Amsterdam Violence
The ban was partly justified by violent clashes and hate crimes at Maccabi’s Europa League match against Ajax in Amsterdam last year, which saw over 60 arrests. The row featured hit-and-run attacks on Maccabi fans but also reports of provocative chanting and vandalism by Israeli supporters.
UEFA has urged UK authorities to allow safe travel for fans, stressing a secure, welcoming atmosphere should prevail — but local security powers have the final say.
What’s Next?
This unprecedented fan ban has ignited a fierce debate over where security ends and discrimination begins. Millions will watch to see if Birmingham becomes the battleground for tackling complex issues where sport, politics, and community tensions collide.
