Overview
- Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group, advised by West Midlands Police, has barred away fans from the 6 November Europa League tie at Aston Villa, with the fixture classed as high risk.
- The police cite current intelligence and violence around Ajax–Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam in 2024 as key factors in the risk assessment.
- Downing Street called the decision wrong and says the government is working to change it, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy meeting Home Office and football bodies.
- West Midlands police and crime commissioner Simon Foster requested an immediate review and access to the SAG’s written decision, operational plan and risk assessments.
- The Home Office was briefed last week on possible restrictions, and ministers have asked West Midlands Police to specify what additional resources would enable safe attendance, as UEFA urges a solution and the force maintains support for the ban.