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Preventing Israeli soccer fans from attending a match in Birmingham has sparked new concerns about the UK’s ability to safeguard the Jewish community, especially in the aftermath of a recent terrorist attack on a synagogue in Manchester.
The West Midlands Police made the decision to prohibit Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their team’s Europa League game against Aston Villa next month in response to fears of potential unrest and protests.
The police mentioned concerns about «hate crime offenses,» suggesting that the Israeli fans could also be responsible for such incidents.
Police officers referenced an incident where Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were involved in clashes with pro-Palestinian protesters during a game against Ajax last year.
Despite criticism from Sir Keir Starmer, the police defended their decision based on current intelligence and past incidents, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards antisemitism.
In a bold statement, the Prime Minister condemned the police action, asserting that all fans should be able to attend the match without fear of violence or intimidation.
The Jewish Leadership Council and the Campaign Against Antisemitism also voiced their disapproval of the decision.
Read more from Sky News:
Antisemitism a ‘stain’ on Britain – report
The Prime Minister’s swift intervention came amidst a diplomatic dispute following the Israeli government’s request to overturn the police’s decision.
UEFA, the governing body of European football, refrained from voting on the expulsion of Israeli teams from competitions as the Gaza peace plan progressed, with the Trump administration pledging to oppose any suspension.
Fans of Greek side PAOK display a banner that reads ‘Show Israel the red card’ at a match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Pic: AP
The ban on Israeli fans attending the game at Villa Park, under the oversight of a Labour-led council, suggests that Birmingham may not be a safe place for Israelis and that authorities are unable to ensure their protection during a football match.
If this is indeed the case, the question arises whether Birmingham, aspiring to host matches at the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, can successfully accommodate a major international sports event in the future.
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