Birmingham Police Under Scrutiny Over Ban on israeli Soccer fans
BIRMINGHAM, England – Birmingham Police are facing mounting pressure too reverse a decision to ban Israeli soccer fans from attending a UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying match against Maccabi Tel Aviv on August 10th. The unprecedented move, citing public order concerns, has sparked criticism from UEFA, football supporter groups, and accusations of antisemitism.
The ban marks the first time away fans have been prohibited from attending a match in England, raising questions about its legality and effectiveness. Authorities have not publicly detailed specific threats that prompted the decision, but it comes amid heightened tensions following Hamas’ October 7th, 2023 attack on Israel and the subsequent military campaign in Gaza, and a recent surge in antisemitic incidents in the United kingdom.
UEFA has urged British authorities to ensure Israeli fans can attend the match, while Football Supporters europe, UEFA’s recognized advisory group, released a statement opposing the blanket ban. “Such away travel ban would be a first in England, and it’s extremely worrying to see the local police take that route when evidence shows that it doesn’t solve anything,” the statement read. “To the contrary, it creates additional risk by not offering a controlled and secured environment inside the stadium.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv chief executive Jack Angelides expressed “dismay,” telling the BBC, “I don’t use this term lightly but people ask, ‘What does antisemitism look like?’ And it’s frequently enough manifested as part of a process… simply put small events leading up to something that’s more sinister.”
The decision follows a recent attack on a synagogue in the UK,where a car and knife attack left two congregants dead. Community Security Trust, a charity protecting british Jews, reports antisemitic incidents in the U.K. have reached record levels since the October 7th attacks.
Emily Damari, a British-Israeli dual national formerly held captive by hamas and a supporter of both maccabi Tel Aviv and Tottenham Hotspur, condemned the ban as divisive. “Football is a way of bringing people together irrespective of their faith, color or religion, and this disgusting decision does the exact opposite,” she stated. “shame on you. I hope you come to your senses and reconsider.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv, an Israeli club, participates in UEFA competitions despite boycotts from many Muslim nations in the Middle East and Asia. The qualifying match is a crucial step towards reaching the Europa Conference League group stage.