Emily Damari, a British-Israeli dual citizen who was freed from Hamas captivity in January, has denounced the British authorities’ decision to ban Israeli supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending their upcoming European match against Aston Villa, calling the move “shameful” and “a sign of blatant antisemitism.”

Police in West Midlands and Birmingham City Council announced that, following a “security risk assessment,” Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters would not be permitted to attend the 6 November match at Villa Park. The decision, justified as a public-safety measure, has sparked intense political and media debate across the UK.

“Shame on You”

“I was released from Hamas captivity in January and I am a die-hard fan of Maccabi Tel Aviv. I am shocked to my core by this outrageous decision to ban me, my family and my friends from attending an Aston Villa game in the UK. Football is a way of bringing people together irrespective of their faith, color or religion, and this disgusting decision does the exact opposite. Shame on you. I hope you come to your senses and reconsider. This is like putting a big sign on the outside of a stadium saying: ‘No Jews allowed.’ What a sad world we are living in.” Damari’s message to authorities.

Damari added that the ban was “not only unfair but a violation of Britain’s democratic values,” urging the authorities to “immediately review and reverse” the measure.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also criticized the decision, calling it “the wrong call.”

Keir Starmer instructed the Home Office to work with police and Birmingham officials to review the ban, stating: “Security must be ensured, but not at the expense of equality and tolerance.”

Jewish community organizations, including the Board of Deputies of British Jews, described the move as “deeply troubling” and warned that it risks normalizing antisemitism in British public life. Local officials, however, maintained that the decision was based purely on safety concerns.

The controversy underscores a growing tension in European sport between security restrictions and freedom of participation. With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, several Israeli teams have already played behind closed doors or in neutral venues, but the outcry surrounding this case has reignited debate over where the line between precaution and prejudice truly lies.