Home Office was told last week about potential Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban, police football unit says

Will the Maccabi fan ban be reversed? A recap of what has been happening so far

If you’re just joining us, here’s a roundup of what’s been happening so far.

Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group (SAG) says it will review a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a match with Aston Villa if police change their risk assessment

The ban on the Europa League match on 6 November is based on security concerns, with West Midlands Police labelling it as "high-risk"

But it has sparked strong reactions from the government, with Downing Street saying it has "angered" the prime minister, who stresses that the police's role is "to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game"

However, the Home Office was already briefed last week about the potential issues authorities might face, including restrictions on visiting fans, according to the UK Football Policing Unit

The national police unit also says it supports the decision to ban Maccabi fans, adding that the SAG will have to be responsible if there are any adverse incidents

No 10 says discussions to resolve the issue are happening "at pace", with updates expected today

Stay with us for all the latest.

Maccabi fans ban is misdirected, says Israeli embassy spokesman

Banning Maccabi fans is a mistake and plays into the hands of "bigots" who called for next month's match to be cancelled, says a spokesman for the Israeli embassy in London.

"It seems that the bigotry showed towards the Maccabi Tel Aviv fans is very direct," Alex Gandler tells the BBC News Channel. "And we all know why it is."

"It's because they are Israeli, and that's because they are Jewish."

Gandler says the problem isn't with the fans travelling to Birmingham to watch the game - it's with individuals who might threaten or attack them.

"Where should the pressure [be directed]?," he adds.

Safety Advisory Group says it will review ban if police risk assessment changes

We've just received a statement from Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group, which has decided to ban Maccabi fans from attending next month's match at Villa Park.

The group says it will review its decision if West Midlands Police changes its risk assessment for the match.

Here's the statement in full:

"The Safety Advisory Group has made a decision based on a risk assessment provided by West Midlands Police.

"If there is a change in the assessment of risk in the forthcoming match between Aston Villa Football Club and Maccabi Tel Aviv, then the Safety Advisory Group will commit to review its decision as appropriate."

What is Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group? Find out here

Villa Park's location puts police in a tricky position

Mike Taylor

BBC Radio WM

There was significant disorder outside Villa Park when Legia Warsaw fans visited two years ago - ultimately leading to them not being allowed to enter the ground.

Although the circumstances were entirely different, it did show how disruptive violence on that scale can be in the area around the stadium.

Villa Park isn’t in a cleared area on the edge of town - like many new-builds - but is surrounded by narrow, densely populated streets.

Villa want to be good neighbours. Their statement on Thursday, external underlined that the safety of both football supporters attending the match and local residents would be "at the forefront of any decision".

Even if the authorities find a way to achieve that, doing so without inflaming emotions across all interested groups will be challenging.

Concerns previously raised about strain on policing matches

The Safety Advisory Group's decision to ban Maccabi fans comes as reports of disorder at football matches rise, putting more strain on the police.

In July, the Home Office said the number of reported incidents of disorder - including football-related violence, anti-social behaviour and harm - increased from 1,341 in 2023-24 to 1,583 during the 2024-25 season.

Arrests, however, dropped by 11% from 2,167 to 1,932.

At the time, the National Police Chiefs' Council said the "worrying level of offending at men's football matches across the country" is putting extra pressure on the police.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, football policing lead, said the figures show "why it is essential that football clubs need to start paying their fair share towards policing matches".

That idea has also been put forward by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, who said earlier that month that clubs should contribute to the £70m cost of policing matches.

Home Office was briefed last week, says Football Policing Unit

A national police unit that advises on security at football matches has backed the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from next month's match in Birmingham.

The UK Football Policing Unit, which is made up of senior officers, gives advice to police forces in England and Wales.

In a statement, the unit says it briefed the Home Office last week about the potential issues authorities might face, including restrictions on visiting fans.

"It is important that we respect and support the structures in place for making these decisions," the statement reads.

"If there are any adverse incidents, then [the Safety Advisory Group and Sports Ground Safety Authority] are the ones that will be held responsible."

Watch: What do Maccabi fans in Tel Aviv think?

Maccabi fans on the streets of Tel Aviv have been sharing their criticism of the ban, with one saying it was "all about politics".

"Sport doesn't need to involve politics," says another, adding he thinks Maccabi fans should be able to travel to England to watch the game against Aston Villa.

Asked if he thought it would be safe, he says: "I hope so."

Pressure group to launch judicial review over decision

Pressure group Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) says it plans to bring a judicial review over the decision to ban Maccabi fans from the November fixture.

"Our lawyers are writing to the council and police in accordance with the pre-action protocol for judicial review," a statement from CAA says.

"Police forces and local councils must do whatever it takes to ensure that Britain is safe for everyone.

"We will do whatever it takes to overturn this pernicious ban which has humiliated and angered the whole country."

Just as a reminder, the purpose of a judicial review is for a judge to assess whether a decision or action from a public body was lawful. It looks at the way a decision was made, rather than whether the decision itself is right or wrong.

Starmer 'angered' by ban on Maccabi fans, Downing Street says

Leila Nathoo

Political correspondent

Let's bring you more from Downing Street.

It says the prime minister is "angered" by the decision to stop Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters attending the Aston Villa game and has promised to do "everything in his power" to ensure all fans can go to the match.

The prime minister's deputy spokesperson says that while "of course it is an operational decision", the government is "perfectly entitled" to speak out on issues of principle and fairness.

"Football has been a unifying force for decades, everyone should be able to attend a football match without fear of violence or intimidation, regardless of their religion, nationality or background," the spokesperson says.

"We cannot have a country where we have to tell people to stay away from an event because they can't be protected or they may be a victim of racism."

No 10 says ministers from across government have been urgently working to support police and the local authority to ensure all fans could enjoy the game.

The spokesperson says discussions began last night and are continuing and that further updates were expected later in the day.

Banning away fans over safety concerns has become more common

Adwaidh Rajan

BBC Sport

Despite the debate it triggers, the decision to stop Maccabi supporters from attending the football match in Birmingham isn’t the first time away fans have faced restrictions while travelling to games in Europe this season.

Regional police forces banning away fans at some matches - especially in France and Italy - has become more common in recent years.

Fans of Dutch club Ajax were prevented from attending their Uefa Champions League match against Marseille on 30 September. Ajax said the Marseille authorities had told them the ban was due to "public safety and security".

Napoli’s home game with Eintracht Frankfurt in the same competition, scheduled for 4 November, will also not have away fans, with the Naples police justifying the ban by citing "the high risks to public order and safety".

Downing Street says discussions happening 'at pace' with updates expected today

Some developments to bring you from Downing Street, where the prime minister's official spokesperson says discussions are happening "at pace, across government".

"Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is meeting officials to discuss what more can be done to try and find a way through to resolve this, and what more can be done to allow fans to attend the game safely," the spokesperson adds.

"The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, spoke to the local council this morning, and the Home Office is urgently working to support police to try and find a way through this."

The spokesperson adds that further updates are expected today and that conversations are being held with "all the relevant groups to find a way to resolve this".

What is the role of the Safety Advisory Group?

It’s Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) that has advised Maccabi Tel Aviv fans to stay away from the 6 November match at Villa Park.

The SAG is made up of several professional authorities who give advice on welfare, health and safety for events in the city.

As well as various arms of Birmingham City Council - including licensing and highways - British Transport Police, West Midlands Ambulance, West Midlands Fire and West Midlands Police are among the members.

The SAG says it’s there to:

promote high standards of public health and safety

encourage good practice in safety and welfare planning

help different agencies work together to manage events

create plans for emergencies and unexpected situations

provide advice to reduce any negative impact from events

Last week, the SAG advised cancelling the annual Diwali Mela festival in Handsworth following the Manchester synagogue attack.

Last night, Villa said the SAG issued safety certificates for every match at Villa Park, "based on a number of physical and safety factors".

Villa also says the SAG wrote to the club and Uefa to advise that no away fans would be allowed to attend.

Separately, West Midlands Police told the SAG they had public safety concerns around the stadium and their ability to deal with any potential protests on the night.

Decision should be reviewed if government can help fund policing, says mayor

The mayor of the West Midlands has also spoken about the decision to ban Maccabi fans, saying it should be reviewed if the government is willing to help with some policing costs.

Football is about "bringing people together", Richard Parker says, and everyone who loves the sport "should have a chance to attend".

But he also adds: "The first priority is the safety of individuals in and around Birmingham and Villa Park - that is paramount.

"Whilst I respect West Midlands Police, if the government are willing to support in terms of resource then there should be a review of the decision that has been made."

Parker says that while he does not oversee policing in the region, he wants to work with involved parties to find a solution that "keeps the spirit of inclusive and accessible sport alive - whilst ensuring the safety of local people and visitors".

Birmingham council leader joins calls for review of ban

The leader of Birmingham City Council, John Cotton, says Prime Minister Keir Starmer was right to call the Maccabi fans ban a "wrong decision".

"Fans should not be prevented from attending a football match in our city because of threats or violence," Cotton says.

He adds that while he respects the independence of the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), he is asking them to "urgently review their decision".

"Football and Birmingham should be a game and city for everyone," the council leader says.

As a reminder, earlier the West Midlands' police and crime commissioner also asked the police and the Safety Advisory Group to review the ban

Lack of fans could affect fairness and atmosphere

Adwaidh Rajan

BBC Sport

If Maccabi Tel Aviv fans are barred from attending their Europa League match against Aston Villa, it could affect both the fairness of the contest and the atmosphere at Villa Park.

From a sporting point of view, the lack of travelling supporters can take away the emotional energy and momentum that away players often get from their fans in the stands.

Maccabi Tel Aviv are still looking for their first Europa League win of the season after a draw with Greek side PAOK FC and a defeat to Croatia's Dinamo Zagreb.

Facing a strong Villa side in front of their own fans, with no support from the stands, could make things even tougher for Maccabi on their away trip.

While the away goals rule was scrapped from European competitions by Uefa in 2021, it showed how European ties are seen - with away fixtures traditionally considered harder and away goals once carrying extra weight.

For Villa and their fans, the absence of Maccabi supporters could dampen the experience of a European night, where rival fans usually add intensity and atmosphere.

Decision to ban Maccabi fans prompts mixed reaction - what is the latest?

A local safety advisory group, which issues safety certificates for matches at Villa Park in Birmingham, has advised that supporters of the Israeli football team Maccabi Tel Aviv should not attend the fixture against Aston Villa next month.

The decision has been widely criticised by politicians - but backed by police, which has said the event is classified as "high-risk".

Here's a quick catch-up:

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticised the decision, saying the role of police is "to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation"

West Midlands Police has backed the move - explaining it was based on intelligence and previous incidents

The Police and Crime Commissioner has asked to see the police assessment and requested an immediate review

We've also heard from fans and locals - one calls it a "dark day for Britain" while another believes it's "a clear cut piece around the safety" of local people

As we continue to bring you updates and reactions, senior government officials are set to meet today to try to find a "way through", according to a minister.

Stay with us.

Amsterdam clashes in 2024 a factor in decision for ban

As we've reported earlier, West Midlands Police said the decision to prohibit Maccabi supporters was based on previous incidents, including "violent clashes" between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before and after a match in Amsterdam in November 2024.

Here's a quick reminder of what happened.

More than 60 people were arrested over the violence, which city officials described as a "toxic combination of antisemitism, hooliganism, and anger" over the war in Gaza, Israel and elsewhere in the Middle East.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof at the time referred to "antisemitic attacks", while the king said the country could not ignore "antisemitic behaviour".

Footage later played in court appeared to show Maccabi supporters pulling down Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against Arabs.

A police chief at the time said there had been incidents "on both sides".

High security and protests have become a regular fixture for Israeli teams

Paul Kirby

Europe digital editor

Pro-Palestinian protests have become such a common feature for Israeli teams playing in Europe - in just the last week there have been three examples in Norway, Italy and Spain.

Last Saturday there were 22 arrests near the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo after clashes before Israel’s World Cup qualifier against Norway. Reports say tear gas was used after several demonstrators broke through police barriers.

Ahead of the match, the head of Norway’s Football Federation had called for Israel to be suspended from international football.

Three evenings later the Israeli national team played their next qualifying tie against Italy in the northern city of Udine. An estimated 5,000 demonstrators marched before the game chanting that it should not have been played in the Stadio Friuli.

Security was tight and clashes with police broke out during the evening - again as some protesters tried to break through a cordon of riot police - and two journalists were hurt and a number of people were arrested.

Italy has seen some of the biggest pro-Palestinian protests in Europe, and workers went on strike earlier this month in many towns and cities.

But the protests have not been confined to football.

In Spain, where Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for Israel to be barred from international sport because of the Gaza war, 500 police were deployed ahead of Wednesday’s Euroleague basketball game between Valencia and Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Spanish reports said almost 1,000 protesters took part in a demo outside the Roig Arena and several people were arrested.

Maccabi and Israeli teams have been playing at neutral venues

Thomas Mackintosh

Live reporter

In October 2023, European football's governing body Uefa ruled that, due to the Israel-Hamas war, Israeli teams would have to play their home matches at neutral venues until further notice.

The Israeli national teams and Israeli football clubs were - and still are - asked to find neutral venues for Uefa international and continental club competitions.

This covers World Cup qualifiers, Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League ties.

Last season, Maccabi Tel Aviv played Europa League matches in Belgrade. This season, the club has chosen to play in the northern Serbian town of Bačka Topola - a stadium which holds 4,500 people.

There was also an instance last season - after violent clashes in Amsterdam - where Maccabi Tel Aviv were due to play away to Turkish side Beşiktaş in Istanbul.

However, Uefa ruled that match would take place in Debrecen, Hungary, after Turkish authorities decided not to stage it in Turkey. The match was also played behind closed doors, external following a decision from local Hungarian authorities, Uefa said.

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