A senior official at Maccabi Tel Aviv has warned that antisemitism may have influenced the decision to ban Israeli supporters from attending next month’s Europa League fixture against Aston Villa in Birmingham.The club’s chief executive, Jack Angelides, said the ruling by West Midlands Police and Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group had been met “with dismay” and questioned what message it sends to Jewish fans in Britain. The move has provoked anger across the Jewish community and condemnation from political leaders, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who called the decision “wrong.”Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Angelides said: “To be frank, it’s been met with some dismay about what this is potentially signalling. “We understand the reasons that have been put to us — that the authorities feel unable to adequately protect our fans who would be attending the match.”But I do think this is an extremely important moment because of what it signifies.”I don’t use this term lightly, but people ask what antisemitism looks like? Small events, leading up to something more sinister. A senior official at Maccabi Tel Aviv has warned that antisemitism may have influenced the decision to ban Israeli supporters from attending next month’s Europa League fixture against Aston Villa in Birmingham | GETTY”We have British Maccabi Tel Aviv fans who are Jewish, and they are being told it is not safe in their own country to watch a football match.”The decision stems from a recommendation by West Midlands Police, who classified the November 6 tie as “high risk” following a lengthy safety assessment.The force cited “violent clashes and hate crime offences” during Maccabi’s Europa League meeting with Ajax in Amsterdam last year, when 68 people were arrested and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the attacks on Israeli supporters as “shocking and reprehensible.”Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were attacked in the streets of Amsterdam last year | ReutersWest Midlands Police said the measure was necessary “based on current intelligence and previous incidents” to ensure public safety.Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group subsequently informed Aston Villa that a safety certificate would not be granted for away fans, effectively barring Maccabi supporters from entering Villa Park.The ruling has drawn criticism from UEFA, which oversees the Europa League. The governing body has urged UK authorities to reconsider and “implement appropriate measures” to ensure Israeli supporters can safely attend.Angelides confirmed that Maccabi have contacted UEFA over the situation but stopped short of criticising Aston Villa directly.“Communication has been made to UEFA about the decision or recommendation — I’m not sure what it is,” he said. LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the decision to ban Israeli fans from attending next month’s Europa League match involving Aston Villa | GETTY“Villa relayed the position of the police. I can’t say that they have taken a position. We have had excellent co-operation with them. They have been keeping us up to date with the decision of the authorities.”Prime Minister Starmer reiterated his opposition on Thursday night, writing 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.”The controversy now threatens to overshadow one of the Europa League’s most high-profile fixtures, with growing pressure on both local and national authorities to find a solution.