The decision, unusual in the United Kingdom, generated widespread criticism, including from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called it ‘misguided’
The British government assured this Friday (17) that it is doing everything possible to allow fans of the Israeli club to attend the game against Aston Villa, following the controversy triggered by the decision to ban their presence at the stadium.
“The government is working with the police and other collaborators to do everything in its power to ensure that the match can be played safely, with all fans present,” said a government spokesperson in a statement. “We are examining what additional resources and support are needed,” the spokesperson added.
Aston Villa announced on Thursday (16) that fans of the Israeli team will not be able to attend, for security reasons, the match, scheduled for November 6th at Villa Park, in Birmingham, based on recommendations from local police.
The decision, unusual in , generated widespread criticism, including from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called it “misguided”.
“We will not tolerate anti-Semitism on our streets,” declared the leader at X, less than a month after an attack on a Manchester synagogue, which left two people dead.
In Israel, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denounced a “shameful” measure and urged British authorities to lift the ban, while the director general of the Israeli team, Jack Angelides, expressed his “dismay”.
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were violently attacked on the streets of Amsterdam in November 2024 during a Europa League game against Ajax.
The episode culminated in two days of tension in which Israeli fans chanted anti-Arab chants, vandalized a taxi and burned a Palestinian flag.
Given the Jewish community’s concern about the escalation of anti-Semitic acts since the attack on October 7, 2023 and Israel’s retaliation in Gaza, Keir Starmer visited, on Thursday, the facilities of an organization in charge of the security of Jewish schools and places of worship in the country. During the visit, the prime minister stated his “responsibility” in responding to the feeling of insecurity.
*With information from AFP
Published by Nátaly Tenório
