Jewish groups warned ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending match could be seen as ‘antisemitic’

Minutes obtained under freedom of information laws show West Midlands police flagged concerns over decision ahead of Aston Villa match

Jewish communities warned West Midlands police that a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a match against Aston Villa “could be perceived as antisemitic”, documents show.

Supporters of the Israeli team were banned from attending the Europa League fixture at Villa Park in Birmingham on 6 November, causing outrage, with the prime minister, Keir Starmer, condemning it as “wrong” and suggesting it amounted to antisemitism.