London, October 17, 2025
British officials are working to overturn a decision barring Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending their team’s upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6. The ban, imposed due to security concerns stemming from previous incidents involving Maccabi fans, has sparked widespread criticism from political leaders, sports organizations, and Jewish advocacy groups.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the ban as “the wrong decision,” emphasizing the importance of allowing all fans to attend matches safely. The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, has called for an immediate review of the decision, questioning whether it is appropriate, necessary, justified, reasonable, and proportionate.
The ban was enacted following violent clashes between Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters and local residents in Amsterdam during a match against Ajax in November 2024. These incidents led to injuries and arrests, prompting authorities to classify the upcoming fixture as “high risk.” Despite this, UEFA has urged British authorities to find a solution that allows fans to attend the match safely.
The controversy has intensified political and public pressure on West Midlands Police and may lead to a security operation enabling Maccabi fans to attend. The incident raises concerns about the UK’s ability to host international tournaments while maintaining safety for all supporters.
As discussions continue, the focus remains on balancing security concerns with the rights of fans to support their teams in a safe and inclusive environment. Authorities are exploring measures such as controlled entry points, increased police presence, and collaboration with UEFA to ensure that the match proceeds without incidents while honoring the rights of visiting supporters.
The situation has also sparked broader debate about fan bans and their effectiveness in preventing violence versus fostering discrimination against certain groups of supporters. Sports organizations and civil rights groups are calling for consistent policies that prioritize both safety and fairness in international sporting events.
