Ministers are working with police to reverse the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a football match against Aston Villa, Number 10 has said.
The prime minister is said to be “angered” by the decision to prevent away fans attending the Israeli side’s match in Birmingham on 6 November and is working “at pace” to amend it, according to a Downing Street spokesperson.
Politics live: MPs react to Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban
It comes amid claims that the Home Office was briefed last week about the potential for restrictions on visiting fans due to safety concerns.
The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) says it spoke with government officials last week and said ministers should bring forward legislation if they “want a role in regulating football events”.
Local authorities in Birmingham announced on Thursday that they would not allow Maccabi fans to attend the Europa League match.
The move has prompted political outcry with the Tories branding it a “national disgrace” and Sir Keir calling it “the wrong decision”.
On Friday afternoon, a Downing Street spokesman said it was an operational matter for the police “but as everyone can see, the prime minister has been angered by this news”.
He added: “Ministers and local officials are working with police to try and amend this decision.”
He said further updates can be expected today, with discussions “happening at pace across government with all the relevant groups”.
Those discussions have included a phone call between Communities Secretary Steve Reed and Birmingham City Council, while the Home Office has been speaking to West Midlands Police (WMP).
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has also met officials to “discuss what more can be done to try to find a way through to resolve this, and what more can be done to allow fans to attend the game safely”, Number 10 said.
The decision was made by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which is made up of officials from the local authority, emergency responders -…
