Starmer condemns ‘wrong decision’ to ban Israeli football fans from Aston Villa match
Joe Williams PAOK's fans display a banner that reads "stop genocide" in a match against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Keir Starmer has hit out at the decision to stop?Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their Europa League match next month against Aston Villa.
The decision has been taken by West Midlands Police ahead of the clash between Villaand the Israeli side on November 6 in Birmingham, as it is seen as “high risk” due to safety concerns.
Following the call, a police spokesperson said: “This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate?crime?offences that occurred during the 2024 Europa League match between?Ajax?and Maccabi Tel Aviv in?Amsterdam.
“Based on our professional judgement, we believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety.
“While the safety certificate is issued by?Birmingham?City Council, West Midlands Police supports the decision to prohibit away supporters from attending.”
Responding to the decision, Starmer posted on Xon Thursday night: “This is the wrong decision.
READ:?Big Weekend: Liverpool v Man United, Villa, Gyokeres, Postecoglou, Der Klassiker
“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.”
A statement from UEFA said: “Uefa wants fans to be able to travel and support their team in a safe, secure and welcoming environment, and encourages both teams and the competent authorities to agree on the implementation of appropriate measures necessary to allow this to happen.
“In all cases, the competent local authorities remain responsible for decisions related to the safety and security of matches taking place on their territory, such decisions being determined on the basis of thorough risk assessments, which vary from match to match and take into consideration previous circumstances.”
Aston Villa also released their own statement, it read: “Aston Villa can confirm the club has been informed that no away fans may attend the UEFA Europa League match with Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, November 6, following an instruction from the Safety Advisory Group.
READ:?The Premier League is back! Five questions we want answered this weekend
“The Safety Advisory Group (SAG) are responsible for issuing safety certificates for every match at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors.
“Following a meeting this afternoon, the SAG have formally written to the club and UEFA to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture.
“West Midlands?Police have advised the SAG that they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night.
“The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision.”
READ NEXT:?Why Arsenal ‘staggering’ issue won’t impact Arteta as he faces ‘serious heat’ on one condition…
Aston Villa
Latest Football News
Tottenham player-manager one of seven interim ‘options’ to replace Igor Tudor
Ben Davies Harry Redknapp
Tottenham next manager timeframe revealed after Tudor exit as ‘Spurs man’ backed
Igor Tudor
Tottenham confirm Igor Tudor exit and tease ‘new Head Coach’
Igor Tudor Roberto De Zerbi
‘Not Harvard English’ – Toni Kroos confused by Geordie accent as brother Felix hails Newcastle ‘summer’
Toni Kroos
Hungary manager hits out at Arne Slot ‘nonsense’ after telling Liverpool boss ‘not to interfere’
Arne Slot Mailbox
Man Utd ‘in purgatory’ under Carrick as Klopp ‘logic’ dispels top replacement doubts
Michael Carrick
Carrick in or out? Man Utd would be stupid to rush manager decision
Michael Carrick Popular
Rashford, Foden, Gordon to Liverpool proposed as Salah debate rages on
Mohamed Salah Popular
Mo Salah is no Luis Suarez; the Liverpool fan verdict is in
Mohamed Salah Popular Premier League Table Full Table
#
TEAM
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
View More
Mediawatch
Arsenal star ‘called out’ as Spurs handed ‘huge boost’ and World Cup ‘nightmare’ emerges
Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal face summer ‘transfer conundrum’ as Mo Salah ‘dream club’ revealed
Mohamed Salah Popular
Salah exit prompts ‘genuine concern’ about Premier League as two Liverpool mysteries solved
Mo Salah Popular
Arsenal season starting to unravel as ‘injury crisis’ hits at ‘worst possible time’
Copyright Notice: The content of this article is contributed by Internet users. The views only represent the author. This site only provides information storage services and does not own ownership or bear relevant legal responsibilities. If you find any suspected infringement or illegal content, please contact us. We will delete it immediately after verification.
