'Football is a way of bringing people together...this does the exact opposite'

BRITISH former hostage Emily Damari says she is outraged by a police ban on Israeli football fans at a match in Birmingham.

- Jonathan Walker

The Maccabi Tel-Aviv supporter claimed the West Midlands force’s restriction on her side’s game at Aston Villa “is like putting a big sign on the outside of a stadium saying, ‘No Jews allowed’.

Emily, 29, added: “I am shocked to my core with this outrageous decision to ban me, my family and my friends. Football is a way of bringing people together irrespective of their faith, colour or religion and this disgusting decision does the exact opposite.”

The dual British-Israeli citizen, who endured 471 days as a captive of Hamas terrorists, declared: “Shame on you!”

Last night Sir Keir Starmer and several Cabinet ministers stepped up efforts to overturn the bar on Maccabi fans attending next month’s Europa League fixture.

The Home Office hopes the police force will confirm next week what extra resources it would need to maintain safety if both sets of fans were allowed into Villa Park.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “Every football fan, whoever they are, should be able to watch their team in safety.

Loggerheads

“This Government is doing everything in our power to ensure all fans can safely attend the game.”

A Government spokesman said: “We are exploring what additional resources and support are required so all fans can attend.”

Earlier the Government had been at loggerheads with officers who insisted they, rather than politicians, should decide about regulating football events on the grounds of supporter safety.

The ban was condemned by Labour, Tories and the Lib Dems, and Reform MP Danny Kruger said the West Midlands Chief Constable should be sacked “if necessary”.