Sir Keir Starmer has blasted the West Midlands Police ban on Israeli supporters attending the Europa League clash at Aston Villa. The Labour leader said fans must be able to watch football “without fear of violence or intimidation.”
Police Cite Amsterdam Violence and Safety Fears
The ban came after West Midlands Police branded the 6 November fixture “high risk” and ruled Israeli fans out of Villa Park. The force pointed to violent clashes during the recent Ajax vs Maccabi Tel Aviv match in Amsterdam as the key reason.
During that fixture, Maccabi fans ripped down Palestinian flags, chanted racist slogans like “death to Arabs,” and vandalised property. Following the match, groups on scooters hunted Israeli supporters across Amsterdam, hospitalising five people and injuring dozens more.
“This is the wrong decision,” Starmer said. “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.”
Fury Among Jewish Groups and Local Fans
The Jewish Leadership Council branded the ban “perverse,” insisting away fans should not be banned because police fear for their safety. They called for the match to be played behind closed doors if necessary.
With less than three weeks to go, police and UEFA face growing pressure. But a change of heart looks unlikely given the huge security risks.
