Aston Villa Bans Israeli Fans Amid Safety Concerns, Draws Criticism from UK Prime Minister
BIRMINGHAM, England – Aston villa Football Club will not permit fans from Maccabi Tel Aviv to attend their November 6 Europa conference League match at villa Park, a decision prompted by police concerns over public safety and potential protests. The move has sparked immediate condemnation from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who labeled it “the wrong decision” and affirmed the government’s commitment to combating anti-Semitism.
The club stated it is adhering to guidance from the safety Advisory Group (SAG), responsible for matchday safety at Villa Park, which advised against allowing away fans in the stadium area. Regional police expressed worries about potential disturbances outside the ground, citing previous incidents involving confrontations between protestors and Maccabi supporters, notably in Amsterdam in November 2024 during a match against Ajax. This decision follows a series of demonstrations targeting Israeli athletes and teams at sporting events, including unrest during World Cup qualifiers involving Italy and Israel, were police deployed tear gas to control protestors.
“We will not tolerate anti-Semitism on our streets,” Starmer said. “The role of the police is to ensure that all football fans can enjoy the match without fear of intimidation or violence.”
Aston Villa confirmed ongoing consultation with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities regarding security measures. UEFA has reiterated that duty for safety rests with local authorities. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized the decision as “scandalous” on social media, urging British authorities to reverse what he called a “cowardly decision.”
