The Europa League match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv became one of England's most debated fixtures recently—not for football reasons but due to a controversial decision.
Birmingham police banned Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from entering the city, sparking reaction from media and local football lovers.
Selwyn Tash, a 73-year-old Jewish former solicitor for Tottenham Hotspur from 2001 to 2023, criticized the decision.
From my perspective, the ban on letting in Maccabi Tel Aviv fans is shameful.
He stressed the importance of keeping politics separate from sports, calling the ban part of a wider trend in Britain and beyond to isolate Israel socially and in sports, as well as cultural events like Eurovision.
Regarding the local Jewish community attending the match, Tash shared his concerns about safety in London, citing frequent pro-Palestinian marches in central areas that necessitate caution.
As a Jew born in London and living here my entire life, I need to take special precautions. This is the first time I feel this way.### Author's summary
This ban marks a troubling precedent where sports and political conflicts intersect, leading to social isolation rather than unity.