UK govt aims to reverse ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans at Villa game

THE UK government vowed on Friday to do everything to allow all fans to attend a match between Aston Villa and Tel Aviv Maccabi after anger at a ban on the Israeli team's supporters.

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Birmingham-based Villa said on Thursday that the club had been informed by the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) - responsible for issuing certificates for matches - that no away fans would be permitted at the Europa League game on November 6.

"The government is working with policing and other partners to do everything in our power to ensure this game can safely go ahead, with all fans present," a government spokesperson said.

"We are exploring what additional resources and support are required so all fans can attend."

A UK police commissioner asked local officials to review the decision as criticism of the ban mounted, including from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European governing body UEFA.

Starmer, a keen football fan, called the move "wrong".

"We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation," Starmer wrote on X.

UEFA, which runs the Europa League, called on the clubs and authorities to "agree on the implementation of appropriate measures necessary to allow" Maccabi fans to attend.