‘Appalling’ - Newcastle United co-owner furious at controversial Aston Villa decision
Newcastle United co-owner Jamie Reuben has condemned Aston Villa’s decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from their stadium.
Jamie Reuben has slammed Aston Villa for banning Maccabi Tel Aviv away fans for next month’s Europa League fixture.
A controversial decision has been made by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group following advice from the West Midlands Police. The force labelled the fixture “high risk” - citing the "violent clashes and hate crime offences" between Ajax and Maccabi fans before a match in Amsterdam last year.
Violence in the city resulted in over 60 arrests, with the Israel-Gaza conflict providing the backdrop for hostile clashes between supporters. Villa announced yesterday that their game against Maccabi on November 6 will not allow away fans.
Aston Villa statement
“Aston Villa can confirm the club has been informed that no away fans may attend the UEFA Europa League match with Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, November 6, following an instruction from the Safety Advisory Group,” an announcement read. “The Safety Advisory Group (SAG) are responsible for issuing safety certificates for every match at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors.
“Following a meeting this afternoon, the SAG have formally written to the club and UEFA to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture. West Midlands Police have advised the SAG that they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night.
“The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision.”
Sir Keir Starmer slams decision
Sir Keir Starmer immediately took to social media to slam the “wrong” decision. The prime minister wrote on X: “This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.”
‘Appalling’ - Newcastle United co-owner
Newcastle United co-owner Reuben - who is Jewish - labelled Villa’s announcement as “appalling” on social media. Senior government figures are set to meet today looking to reverse the decision to ban Israeli fans, a minister has revealed.
What an appalling decision !
— Jamie Reuben (@jamiereuben) October 16, 2025
“It’s just completely and utterly unacceptable and the prime minister has said we will do everything we possibly can to resolve this issue,” Ian Murray MP said. “It’s an operational issue for the police, and the government doesn’t get involved in operational issues for the police. But I know the Culture Secretary of State will be meeting with the Home Office and other stakeholders today to try and see if there’s a way through this.”