UK promises action to allow fans of Israel's Maccabi to attend match

BIRMINGHAM, England :Britain's government is doing everything in its power to make sure travelling fans of soccer club Maccabi Tel Aviv can attend a match in Birmingham next month, interior minister Shabana Mahmood said on Friday, after an earlier ban.

"Antisemitism is a stain on our society that shames us all. Every football fan, whoever they are, should be able to watch their team in safety," Mahmood said on X on Friday.

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

A spokesperson for the government said earlier in a statement on Friday that it was working with the police "to ensure this game can safely go ahead, with all fans present".

English soccer club Aston Villa said away supporters of Israeli side Maccabi - who were involved in violence a year ago in Amsterdam - would be barred from the Europa League match on November 6 after West Midlands police expressed concerns about potential protests outside the stadium.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the announcement as "shameful".

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer posted on X that it was "the wrong decision". 

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

Culture minister Lisa Nandy was due to meet interior ministry officials to seek a "way through" the ban, an official told Sky News on Friday.

ISRAELI TEAMS A FOCUS FOR GAZA PROTESTS

Maccabi did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israeli teams have become a focus for pro-Palestinian protesters as passions over the conflict in Gaza have run high.

Last November, more than 60 people were arrested in Amsterdam after