Birmingham is bracing for a volatile showdown as three rival protests gear up outside Villa Park on 6 November. The unrest follows West Midlands Police’s controversial ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv away fans due to “safety concerns”.
The ban has sparked a political firestorm, with pro-Jewish supporters, Tommy Robinson backers, and pro-Palestinian activists all planning demonstrations. Fears of violent clashes are at an all-time high.
MP’s Call Sparks Fan Ban Amid Rising Tensions
Local MP Ayoub Khan, a vocal pro-Palestinian campaigner, pushed hard for the ban citing risks to “community harmony”. Backed by Birmingham City Council and police, Maccabi Tel Aviv fans have been completely barred from attending.
The Israeli club then pulled out of their ticket allocation, citing past “hard lessons” after supporters were violently attacked in Amsterdam last October during a match against Ajax – an event dubbed the “Jew hunt.”
Three Clashing Demonstrations Threaten Violence
- Our Fight: Pro-Jewish group set to rally with placards declaring “We stand with British Jews.”
- Tommy Robinson Supporters: The far-right activist hinted at turning up to back Maccabi, raising alarms about possible trouble.
- Pro-Palestinian Activists: Led by Muslim cleric Asrar Rashid, who controversially urged followers to “show no mercy” to Maccabi fans, further fueling tensions.
“We will not show mercy to Maccabi Tel Aviv fans travelling to Birmingham,” declared Rashid, stoking fears of violence.
Our Fight’s Mark Birbeck warned: “We’ll have to take the night very seriously… We could be met off the train by people who don’t agree with us.”
Robinson’s Involvement Deepens Fallout
Robinson’s expected presence complicates efforts for a peaceful protest. Birbeck voiced concerns: “Even if he means well, it’s not going to go well.” The club feared Robinson “infiltrating” their fans, possibly inciting violence, leading to their rejection of tickets.
Aston Villa also imposed strict ticket restrictions, allowing only longstanding fans (pre-2025/26 season) to buy, aiming to block Robinson supporters and agitators.
Integration and Antisemitism: A Powder Keg
The controversy highlights deep-seated community rifts. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick’s earlier remarks about poor integration in Handsworth — home to a large Muslim population — now seem prescient after police declared they can’t guarantee Jewish fan safety.
“Maybe I wasn’t wrong after all,” Jenrick admitted, after Israeli football fans were banned from attending.
MP Danny Kruger slammed the decision, stating police have “yielded to the mob” by banning Jewish fans rather than confronting antisemitic intimidation.
Birbeck summed up the crisis: “There are ‘no-go areas’ where Jews or Israelis aren’t welcome. This is what the ban represents.”
Police Failure or Pragmatism?
West Midlands Police’s move to block visiting Maccabi fans speaks volumes: they cannot guarantee safety in an area fraught with tensions. Instead of tackling threats, authorities have chosen to exclude victims, setting a worrying precedent.
With three rival protests, toxic rhetoric, and heavy restrictions, 6 November threatens to boil over into violence. Birmingham faces a tinderbox scenario, exposing how antisemitic intimidation has taken root — and how powerfully authorities fear to confront it.
