A senior cabinet minister has emphasized that Aston in Birmingham must not be allowed to become a «no-go area» for Jews, amidst controversy surrounding the exclusion of fans of an Israeli football club from attending a match next month. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband expressed strong disagreement with the petition initiated by a local MP calling for Maccabi Tel Aviv fans to be prohibited from the Aston Villa game, stating that such discrimination should not be tolerated in the country.
While the government is collaborating with relevant authorities to reverse the decision, Miliband could not guarantee that the ban would be lifted. He mentioned that efforts are ongoing to ensure that fans from both teams can attend the match, as various politicians, including Sir Keir Starmer, have criticized the ban and expressed support for both sets of fans to be present at the game.
In an interview with Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Miliband emphasized the importance of not preventing individuals of a particular faith or nationality from attending a football match based on discriminatory reasons. He stated that the government is working towards allowing both sets of fans to attend the game, although he could not guarantee the outcome.
Miliband stressed the government’s commitment to resolving the issue and ensuring inclusivity at the match, despite the challenges faced. He reiterated that it is unacceptable for any area to be deemed a no-go zone for individuals based on their religion or nationality.
The minister also addressed the petition initiated by the local MP, stating his strong disagreement with its content and emphasizing that such discriminatory practices should not be accepted in the country. He highlighted the importance of diversity, tolerance, and the rejection of prejudice in the UK.
Overall, Miliband emphasized that the majority of people in the UK do not support discriminatory actions like those outlined in the petition, reflecting the country’s values of diversity and inclusivity.
Let’s refrain from using this petition to create a negative image of our country.
«I believe that is incorrect.»
Match classified as ‘high risk’
In a statement on Thursday, Aston Villa said Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) – which issues safety certificates for every match at the ground – had «formally written to the club and UEFA to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend» the fixture at Villa Park on 6 November, as it had been classified as «high risk».
The club said police had advised of «public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night» – a statement that triggered outrage across the political spectrum.
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Will ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Aston Villa be lifted?
The decision has been criticized by political and Jewish leaders, including Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar, who called it a «shameful decision».
The Jewish Leadership Council said it was «perverse» to ban away fans because police can’t guarantee their safety, adding: «Aston Villa should face the consequences of this decision and the match should be played behind closed doors.»
Read more:
Why are Maccabi Tel Aviv fans banned?
Analysis: Ban raises serious questions
Sky News has contacted Mr Khan for a response to the comments made this morning.
Former Labour leader and now independent MP Jeremy Corbyn defended his fellow member of the Independent Alliance group in parliament yesterday, writing on X: «Ayoub Khan has been subject to disgusting smears by MPs and journalists, who have wilfully misrepresented his views in order to stoke anger and division.»
He added that he and his colleagues «diligently represent people of all faiths and none in their communities».
The main principle here is to ensure that people of all faiths and from all countries can attend football matches without any restrictions based on their faith or nationality. The goal is to allow fans from both teams to attend the match.
When asked if Maccabi Tel Aviv fans will be permitted to attend the game, the minister indicated that efforts are being made to ensure that both sets of fans can be present at the match.
A petition to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, initiated by local MP Ayoub Khan and signed by nearly 4,000 people, claimed that the Israeli fans’ presence in the diverse and predominantly Muslim community of Aston would make the upcoming game «not a normal match.» However, the minister emphasized that no area should be off-limits to people based on their religion or nationality.
Disagreeing with the petition’s sentiments, the minister stressed the importance of diversity, tolerance, and the rejection of prejudice in the country. He expressed his strong opposition to the idea that certain areas should be restricted to people of a specific religion or nationality.
In response to criticism from a Tory counterpart about «sectarian politics,» the minister emphasized the need for politicians to address the country’s challenges with honesty and courage. One of the issues highlighted is political Islam. The senior Tory MP expressed concerns about the rise of extremist Islamism and sectarian politics, with five MPs elected based on this platform in the last election. The need to address rising antisemitism and promote integration was emphasized. The MP criticized the ban on Israeli football fans, calling it a «disgrace» and suggesting that it sends a message to Jewish people that they are not welcome in the country that has historically been a safe haven for them. Aston Villa in Birmingham cannot be allowed to become a «no-go area» for Jews, a senior cabinet minister has emphasized in response to the controversy surrounding the decision to bar fans of an Israeli football club from attending a match next month. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband expressed strong disagreement with the approach taken by a local MP who initiated a petition to ban fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv from the Aston Villa game, stating that such actions should not form the basis of operation in the country.
Despite efforts by the government to collaborate with relevant authorities to overturn the ban, there is no guarantee of success. In the latest political developments, Miliband welcomed a challenge from Jeremy Clarkson, while Sir Keir Starmer and politicians from all parties have condemned the decision as «wrong.» The government has committed to working with local authorities to ensure that both sets of fans are able to attend the match.
Addressing the issue on Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Miliband affirmed that efforts are ongoing to rectify the situation. The decision to classify the fixture as «high risk» and prohibit away fans from attending has sparked outrage across various sectors. Aston Villa announced that Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group had formally communicated to the club and UEFA that no away fans would be allowed to attend the match at Villa Park on 6 November due to safety concerns. The police cited public safety issues outside the stadium and concerns about managing potential protests as factors contributing to the decision.
The move has been met with criticism from political and Jewish leaders, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar labeling it a «shameful decision.» The Jewish Leadership Council described the ban on away fans as «perverse» and called for consequences for Aston Villa, suggesting that the match should be played behind closed doors. The controversy surrounding the decision has led to a call for accountability and transparency in the handling of the situation.
Former Labour leader and current independent MP Jeremy Corbyn defended Ayoub Khan, a member of the Independent Alliance group, against what he described as «disgusting smears» by MPs and journalists. Corbyn emphasized that Khan diligently represents individuals of all faiths in their communities. The comments made by political figures and leaders reflect the broader concerns about the implications of the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and the need for a fair and inclusive approach to managing such situations.
As the government continues to engage with relevant authorities to address the ban and ensure a fair outcome for all fans, the controversy surrounding the decision highlights the importance of considering the broader implications of such actions on community relations and public safety. The ongoing dialogue between stakeholders and political leaders underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and a commitment to upholding the values of inclusivity and fairness in all decision-making processes. The main principle here is that we do not want to prevent people of a specific faith or nationality from attending a football match based on those factors. Asked about Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending the game, the minister indicated that the goal is for fans from both teams to be able to attend. The petition to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, citing concerns about diversity and religion in Aston, was disagreed with by Mr. Miliband. He emphasized the importance of diversity, tolerance, and the rejection of prejudice in the country. He also criticized the petition, stating that it does not represent the majority of people in the UK. Claire Coutinho, a Tory member, criticized the sectarian politics reflected in the petition.
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