The idea that barring the Israeli club’s supporters from Villa Park will de-escalate a volatile situation just doesn’t stand up
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ell, at least we have Ayoub Khan in the house, Birmingham MP and a voice of tolerance, unity and de-escalation in these difficult times. “Sports entertainment events should be enjoyed by all regardless of their race, ethnicity and background,” Khan wrote on X on Thursday. One hundred per cent this. Heart emoji. Slay, king. This is not just the best part of sport. It’s the only real point.
“Now is the time to ease tensions, set aside political difference and focus on the football,” Khan concluded, scattering flowers of all shades, fluttering his fingers to release a cascade of butterflies, and opening his arms to embrace, personally, brothers and sisters of every caste and clime.
Except it turns out Khan also wants to ban supporters of an Israeli team from watching a football match in Birmingham. He wants to do this because in this case, and in this case only, it’s too much bother, and because this is all about love.
