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.

The Guardian obtained redacted minutes from a meeting of the council-led safety advisory group on 16 October – the day the ban was announced – via a freedom of information request.

In comments attributed to West Midlands police, the document states: “Jewish community groups have expressed concern that banning away fans could be perceived as antisemitic, rather than a public safety decision.