Newly released documents have exposed the pivotal role played by two anti-Israel city councillors in the controversial decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending a Europa League match in Birmingham. Councillors Waseem Zaffar and Mumtaz Hussain told a key safety meeting that the entire local community 'want it stopped', according to minutes obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.
Behind Closed Doors: The Decisive Meetings
The revelations come from minutes of two meetings held by the Birmingham City Council-chaired Safety Advisory Group (SAG) in October. The group, which included council officials and West Midlands Police representatives, ultimately decided to prohibit away fans from the Aston Villa versus Maccabi Tel Aviv match on November 6, citing public safety grounds.
Both Councillor Zaffar (Labour) and Councillor Hussain (Liberal Democrat) had previously publicly lobbied for Israeli teams to be barred from international sport due to the Gaza conflict. During the SAG meeting on October 7, they were the only elected members present to influence the decision.
The minutes show Cllr Zaffar asked police about potential 'pro Israel' protests and questioned the consequences for Aston Villa if the SAG recommended no away tickets. Both councillors repeatedly emphasised to the group that the 'community want it stopped', expressing concerns for the safety of staff, players, and attendees.
Police Intelligence and Community Consultations
West Midlands Police informed the SAG that they had consulted with multiple community groups, including mosques, Muslim leaders, Jewish groups, and synagogues. They reported that 'all groups expressed deep concerns' about the fixture, fearing disorder and attacks.
Police intelligence cited incidents involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam, Italy, and Norway, where matches had sparked significant unrest, including the deployment of water cannons. They argued that banning away fans would 'significantly reduce the risk' but warned that a medium risk would remain due to community tensions and potential protests.
Notably, the minutes also record that Jewish community groups had warned the authorities that banning away fans could be perceived as antisemitic, potentially undermining trust. Despite this caution, when the final vote was called on October 16, no objections to the ban were raised.
Mounting Fallout and Political Backlash
The decision has triggered a national furore and a parliamentary inquiry. West Midlands Chief Constable Craig Guildford faces calls to resign, and police and council leaders are due to be questioned by a hostile group of MPs.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly condemned the ban, tweeting: 'This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets.'
Internal emails released show council executive director Richard Brooks pressing for police to clearly confirm their 'no away fans' position before the final SAG meeting. In another email after the decision, Assistant Chief Constable Mike O'Hara requested another SAG meeting due to 'huge levels of international interest' increasing the threat assessment.
The saga continues to raise serious questions about the intersection of community pressure, policing, and sports governance in a climate of heightened international tension.
