The government is strongly criticising the decision by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) – advised by West Midlands Police – not to grant a safety certificate for Maccabi Tel Aviv fans to attend an away match at Villa Park on 6 November. Starmer said police should “ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.” The day after his big visit promising to quash antisemitism…
Media minister Ian Murray is on the broadcast round saying: “It shouldn’t be the case that anyone regardless of your race or religion or background should be banned from going to public events.” With no indication that the government will seek to reverse the decision…
Jack Angelides, CEO of the Maccabi Tel Aviv, said “it’s been met with some dismay about what this is signalling.” He pointed out matches go on with fans in countries like Turkey which are “not so kind towards Israeli teams… I do find it somewhat difficult to understand.” He’s not the only one…