Culture secretary to meet officials to 'find way through' ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans

West Midlands Police cites 'current intelligence and previous incidents' as reason to support the ban

We reported earlier that West Midlands Police has supported the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, classifying the fixture as "high-risk".

Here's a bit more on why they've said that:

"This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam

"Based on our professional judgement, we believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety."

You can read more about the Amsterdam violence against football fans in our report last year

Government officials to meet to see if there is 'a way through', minister says

Senior government officials are set to meet later today to try to reverse the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, a government minister has said this morning.

Ian Murray, a minister in the culture department, tells Sky News that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Home Office officials will be among those meeting to see whether there is a "way through" the ban.

He separately tells BBC Breakfast: "It's the wrong decision in terms of the message that it sends out for antisemitism but it also [sends out] the wrong message to the entire country - that you would be banned from going to public events if you're of the wrong race, religion or creed."

Who said what?

As we've been reporting, a safety advisory group has advised that fans of the Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv won't be allowed to attend the 6 November Europa League match against Aston Villa.

Here are the latest comments on the situation:

West Midlands Police says it supports the decision - the force has classified the fixture as "high-risk"

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticised the move - saying the role of police is "to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation"

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called the decision a "national disgrace"

Aston Villa says it is in "continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities", with the safety of supporters and local residents "at the forefront of any decision"

Uefa, European football's governing body, tells the Reuters news agency that decisions about safety and security of matches are the responsibility of competent local authorities

More reactions are coming in as we write. We'll bring them to you when they're ready.

Starmer criticises decision to stop Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending Villa match

The prime minister has criticised a decision to stop supporters of the Israeli football team Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending a Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham next month.

The decision was suggested by the group responsible for issuing safety certificates for matches at Villa Park, after consultation with West Midlands Police.

But Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was the wrong decision. Other politicians have been critical too - including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who described the move as a "national disgrace".

Stay with us as we bring you the latest analysis from our team of correspondents in the UK and in Israel - as well as reaction from fan groups, police officials and politicians.

Click here to read article