UK lawmakers to question police, Birmingham City Council over ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - UK police and Birmingham City Council leaders will face questions from lawmakers over a decision last year to ban Israeli football fans from a match in the city, according to British media reports.

In November last year, Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were not allowed to attend their match against Aston Villa.

The ban was criticized by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other politicians, some suggesting it amounted to antisemitism, but West Midlands Police said the decision was made over safety concerns.

Chief Constable Craig Guildford and Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton will be questioned by Parliament’s Home Affairs Select Committee on Tuesday, the BBC has reported.

Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters have been linked to violence in several European cities.

Amsterdam banned the club last year after fans “rampaged through the city” before and after a Europa League game against Ajax.

Even in Israel, their derby with Hapoel Tel Aviv was canceled last October after “public disorder and violent riots.”