BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized a decision to prevent Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer fans from attending a Europa League game at Aston Villa next month because of security concerns. West Midlands Police deemed the Nov. 6 match at Villa Park to be high risk and cited violence and hate crimes that took place when Maccabi Tel Aviv played at Ajax in Amsterdam last season.
“This is the wrong decision,” Starmer said Thursday. “We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.” Villa earlier said in a statement that police informed the club that “they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential pr