Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has criticised a decision by West Midlands Police to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending next month's Europa League clash with Aston Villa, calling it a "wrong decision" and pledging government efforts to reverse it amid widespread backlash over safety and discrimination concerns.

The ban, imposed Wednesday by Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group on police advice, stems from fears of "high risk" disorder linked to past fan clashes, including violence during Maccabi's 2024 Amsterdam fixture that saw 62 arrests.

Starmer, speaking after a Community Security Trust visit, stressed protecting hate crime victims: "We cannot have a country where we have to tell people to stay away from events." A Number 10 spokesperson confirmed ministers, including Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, are engaging the Home Office and police for a solution, with an update expected Thursday.

The move has ignited a political firestorm. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch branded it a "national disgrace," accusing authorities of "two-tier policing" and mob rule that intimidates Jews. "We cannot have a country where other people can intimidate certain groups," she said, demanding investigations into MPs celebrating the ban.

Liberal Democrat chief Sir Ed Davey echoed calls for an urgent review, insisting fans deserve safe access without fear.

Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed, who launched a petition to cancel the match, defended the call as prioritizing Aston Villa supporters and residents over "Zionist pressure." He cited Maccabi's "egregious track record of racist violence," including Amsterdam chants for Palestinian harm.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign backed him, urging a broader Israeli team boycott akin to apartheid-era South Africa, slamming Starmer for defending "violent thugs."

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster requested an "immediate review," while Mayor Richard Parker pledged to "broker a solution" with extra resources.

The UK Football Policing Unit noted the decision respected independent processes but suggested legislation if ministers seek input on "national significance" events.

The Community Security Trust had warned police the ban would appear antisemitic.

As the November 6 game nears, Villa Park's 42,000 seats loom large: A U-turn could ease tensions, but failure risks deepening divides in a city where pro-Palestine protests have run hot.