• Maccabi Tel Aviv fans banned from their Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6.
• Decision stems from safety concerns related to potential public protests and previous violent incidents.
• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the ban, calling it "the wrong decision."
• West Midlands Police classified the match as "high risk" based on prior incidents and current intelligence.
• Calls for a review of the decision have arisen from various political figures and organizations.

No Maccabi Tel Aviv fans will be allowed to attend their Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6 due to public safety concerns raised by West Midlands Police. Officials have classified the upcoming match as "high risk," considering potential protests and prior violent incidents involving Maccabi fans during previous matches, including clashes that occurred last year in Amsterdam, according to BBC and Reuters.

The decision follows input from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which issues safety certificates for matches at Villa Park. SAG cited concerns about the police's ability to manage potential protests during the match, as the situation around the conflict in Gaza has led to heightened tensions, as reported by Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly criticized the ban, labeling it "shameful" and stating it is vital for police to ensure that all fans can enjoy the match without fear. Starmer emphasized the need for inclusivity and safety in football experiences, echoing sentiments shared by the Jewish Leadership Council and Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who also denounced the decision, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Opponents of the ban also include the police commissioner and local MP Ayoub Khan, who asserted that Israeli teams should be excluded from European competitions altogether. He pointed to the existing safety risks surrounding the match, a concern reinforced by similar instances where Maccabi fans faced direct violence during previous matches, culminating in dozens of arrests, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.

Local authorities remain in discussions about finding a resolution to the ban while ensuring public safety, amidst rising social and political tensions connected to the ongoing conflict in the region. Starmer's position on increasing protections for Jewish communities has been underscored by recent tragic events in Manchester, highlighting the complexity of balancing safety and civil liberties, according to Reuters and BBC.