British PM Even Defends Israeli Club That Is Prohibited From Bringing Supporters To Aston Villa In The Europa League

JAKARTA - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized the decision to ban Israeli club supporters, Maccabi Tel Aviv, from traveling to Aston Villa's headquarters in the Europa League next month for security reasons.

West Midlands Police assessed that the November 7 2025 WIB match at Villa Park was at high risk with violent references that occurred when Maccabi Tel Aviv played against Ajax in Amsterdam last season.

"This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. The role of the police is to ensure that all football supporters can enjoy the match, without fear of violence or intimidation," wrote Starmer in a post on social media site X.

Aston Villa said in a statement in the middle of last week police informed clubs they had concerns about public safety outside the stadium area and the ability to deal with any potential protests during the match.

The Premier League club added that they continued to have dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities during this ongoing process.

In essence, they want to prioritize the safety of supporters who attend matches and the safety of local residents in every decision.

Meanwhile, instead of heeding criticism from the British Prime Minister, the West Midlands Police remained in its stance.

They say they have a strong track record of overseeing football matches and other high-risk public events.

"We are committed to providing fair and impartial police services, while balancing public rights to protest with our obligation to ensure public safety."

"After a thorough assessment, we have classified the upcoming Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv match as a high risk."

"Although the security certificate was issued by the Birmingham City Council, the West Midlands Police supported the decision to ban away supporters from attending."

"This decision is based on the latest intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes that occurred during the 2024 Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam," said West Midlands Police Spokesman.

West Midlands Police further said that based on the officer's professional assessment, they believed the move would help reduce the risk to public safety.

"We remain steadfast in supporting all affected communities and reaffirming our zero-tolerance to crime in all its forms," the West Midlands Police said.

The match at Villa Park will be the team's first away game in the Europa League since pro-Palestinian protests took place at the stadium in Thessaloniki, Greece, when Maccabi Tel Aviv fought PAOK on September 24, 2025.

About 120 Israeli club supporters traveled to Greece for the match and were detained behind police lines before entering the venue.

Maccabi supporters Tel Aviv clashed with city residents in Amsterdam last season as the team visited the Europa League match against Ajax.

Meanwhile, UEFA has considered voting to suspend Israeli teams from tournaments under its authority before being followed by a ceasefire in Gaza this month.

London-based Jewish leadership board called the decision in the match against Aston Villa unfair.

"It makes no sense that away fans are prohibited from watching football games because the West Midlands Police cannot guarantee their safety."

"Aston Villa must face the consequences of this decision and the games must be played behind closed doors," the organization said in a statement.