The Home Office has offered extra resources to West Midlands Police in an effort to reverse their decision to ban fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending an Aston Villa match next month. Downing Street confirmed on Friday that discussions are taking place 'at pace across government' to resolve the issue.
West Midlands Police had initially stated they could not safely police the fixture, citing violent clashes and hate crime offences during a previous Maccabi Tel Aviv match in Amsterdam in 2024. However, following political backlash, the force and its safety advisory group are expected to propose early next week what support they would need to allow the match to proceed with fans from both sides.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the ban, stating: '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.' The government spokesperson added: 'No one should be stopped from watching a football game simply because of who they are.'
Senior cabinet ministers, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, are working to find a solution. Simon Foster, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, has requested a review of the decision, questioning whether it is 'appropriate, necessary, justified, reasonable and a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim'.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism has notified Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police of its intention to seek a judicial review of the ban. Meanwhile, the government's adviser on antisemitism, John Mann, criticised the decision, noting that both clubs want all fans present and have cooperated fully.
