Pressure intensified in Birmingham after police barred Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from the Nov. 6 Europa League match at Aston Villa, citing high-risk intelligence and fears of protests. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the recommendation “the wrong decision,” with his office pushing to overturn it. Local officials urged a review or a funding fix for policing, though one lawmaker backed the ban on safety grounds. UEFA and fan groups opposed a blanket ban, warning it could heighten risks. The move follows recent clashes involving Maccabi fans and rising antisemitism concerns in Britain.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.