UK Ban on Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Sparks Outrage

Britain is facing an explosive controversy after authorities barred fans of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending their UEFA Europa League match against Aston Villa.

The decision, based on police warnings about “serious security concerns,” ignited fierce debate across the United Kingdom amid rising tensions over antisemitism and protests tied to the Gaza war.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the move as “wrong,” insisting that security forces should protect — not exclude — fans.

Israel’s foreign minister called the ban “shameful,” demanding that the UK reverse it immediately.

The controversy echoes a similar episode in Amsterdam, where the city’s mayor recently refused to host Maccabi following violent clashes between Israeli and Dutch fans.

As international scrutiny mounts, the debate now centers on whether the ban ensures safety or fuels division.