After excluding fans
Former Hamas hostage: “Shame on you”
October 17, 2025 – 5:23 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Fans of the Israeli club will not be able to watch Maccabi Tel Aviv’s guest game at Aston Villa in the stadium. A released Hamas hostage protests with clear words.
The decision to exclude Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the European Cup game at Aston Villa has sparked harsh international criticism. Emily Damari, a former Hamas hostage who was released in January and is an avowed fan of the Israeli club, was particularly vocal.
On Platform X, Damari wrote: “I am deeply shocked by this outrageous decision to ban myself, my family and friends from attending an Aston Villa game in the UK.” Football brings people together regardless of their faith, skin color or religion, said Damari, who also has British nationality. “This disgusting decision does exactly the opposite. Shame on you!” It was like hanging a big sign on a stadium that said “Jews banned!” Damari wrote and asked: “What has happened to Britain, where blatant anti-Semitism has become the norm? What a sad world we live in.”
Political voices also spoke out. Ofir Sofer, Israel’s minister for aliyah (Jewish immigration), spoke on The British government must take decisive action against this instead of capitulating. Maccabi Tel Aviv fans would have to be admitted to the game and protected.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also commented. On The police’s job is to “ensure that all football fans can enjoy the game without having to fear violence or intimidation.”
In a statement, UEFA referred to the responsibility of the local authorities. The aim must be for all fans to be able to support their team in a safe and hospitable environment. To do this, clubs and authorities would have to jointly agree on suitable measures.
Aston Villa had previously said the decision had been taken on the recommendation of the Safety Advisory Group. West Midlands Police have raised concerns about public safety over possible protests. A statement also said: “The club is in constant dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout the entire process. The safety of fans and local residents is the top priority in all decisions.”
In football, but also in other sports, there have been repeated pro-Palestinian protests at sporting events with Israeli participation. The background is the Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip. Even after the agreement between Israel and the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas on a ceasefire, things have not completely calmed down.