A police unit says it warned the Home Office last week. The warning concerned a potential controversial fan ban. This ban would affect Maccabi Tel Aviv football supporters. The Israeli club fans might be barred from a UK match. The Europa Conference League fixture is in Birmingham. Consequently, a significant political dispute has now erupted.
Therefore, the UK Football Policing Unit confirmed the early briefing. Officials discussed potential issues with visiting fans. They also mentioned possible restrictions for the match. However, the final decision apparently surprised the government. The Home Office claims it learned of the ban only Thursday. This contradiction has ignited a fierce blame game.
Moreover, local authorities made the final decision on Wednesday. Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group recommended the ban. West Midlands Police had classified the match as high risk. They cited violent clashes in Amsterdam last November. That incident involved antisemitism and hooliganism. Therefore, the group decided to prohibit away fans entirely.
Furthermore, the government is now working urgently to reverse this. Ministers called the controversial fan ban clearly wrong. The Prime Minister stated he would not tolerate antisemitism. Meanwhile, the Culture Secretary is meeting with officials. The government promises to do everything in its power. Their goal is to ensure all fans can attend safely.
West Midlands Police is facing intense scrutiny. A parliamentary committee demanded a full explanation. The committee chair called the decision extremely concerning. She said it conflicts with football being for everyone. Conversely, the police unit supported the local assessment. They stressed the importance of respecting local safety structures.
Aston Villa FC is in continuous dialogue with authorities. The club emphasizes supporter safety above all else. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s CEO expressed dismay at the ban. He worried about the signal this decision sends globally. Former hostage Emily Damari called the decision outrageous. She is a dedicated Maccabi Tel Aviv fan and British-Israeli citizen.
A Birmingham MP defended the controversial fan ban. He urged the Prime Minister to stay out of operational matters. He also distinguished between antisemitism and protest chants. Conversely, a Jewish supporters’ club president condemned his comments. He described the Amsterdam violence as a premeditated Jew hunt.
UEFA stated it wants fans to travel safely. However, they noted that local authorities hold final responsibility. The power to issue safety certificates rests with the council. The controversial fan ban will stand unless police change their risk assessment. The Safety Advisory Group has agreed to an immediate review. The entire situation remains highly fluid and politically charged.
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