Starmer speaks out after fans from Israeli team banned from attending Villa match | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSophie WingateThursday 16 October 2025 22:34 BSTViolent scenes in Amsterdam as Maccabi Tel Aviv fans clash with pro-PalestiniansMaccabi Tel Aviv fans have been banned from attending their Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham due to public safety concerns.The decision, made by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group based on West Midlands Police intelligence, has drawn widespread criticism from political leaders.Labour leader Keir Starmer called it "the wrong decision" and stated that antisemitism would not be tolerated, urging police to ensure all fans can enjoy games safely.Other prominent figures, including Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar, condemned the ban as a "national disgrace" and "shameful decision", respectively.West Midlands Police cited "high risk" intelligence, including violent clashes and hate crime during a previous Ajax vs Maccabi Tel Aviv match, as the basis for the ban.In fullStarmer says ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending Aston Villa game is ‘wrong decision’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in