A British-Israeli woman who was held captive by Hamas for more than a year has hit out at the “outrageous decision” to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending an Aston Villa match.
Emily Damari said she wonders “what exactly has become of UK society” after it was revealed that Israeli supporters had been told not to attend next month’s Europa League clash.
The match was classified as high risk by West Midlands Police based on “current intelligence and previous incidents”.
The force pointed to violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 Uefa Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.
Ms Damari, who was held hostage by Hamas for 471 days before being released earlier this year, said: “I was released from Hamas captivity in January and I am a die-hard fan of Maccabi Tel Aviv.
“I am shocked to my core with this outrageous decision to ban me, my family and my friends from attending an Aston Villa game in the UK.
“Football is a way of bringing people together irrespective of their faith, colour or religion and this disgusting decision does the exact opposite.
“Shame on you, I hope you come to your senses and reconsider.
Emily Damari branded the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the upcoming Villa match ‘outrageous’
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“I do wonder what exactly has become of UK society, this is like putting a big sign on the outside of a stadium saying ‘No Jews allowed’. What has become of the UK where blatant antisemitism has become the norm?
“What a sad world we are living in.”
Upon being released, Ms Damari claimed that Hamas terrorists held her at sites belonging to Unrwa, the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees, and said she was denied treatment after being shot in the hand and leg.
The 28-year-old said she eventually lost two fingers on her left hand.
The Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv match was classified high risk by West Midlands Police | GETTYThe Government has said it is “exploring what additional resources and support are required so all fans can attend” the Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv match.
Authorities in Birmingham are facing mounting pressure to overturn the ban.
A Government spokesman said it was working with “policing and other partners” to ensure the game can go ahead with “all fans present”.
“No one should be stopped from watching a football game simply because of who they are,” the spokesman said.
“The Government is working with policing and other partners to do everything in our power to ensure this game can safely go ahead, with all fans present.
“We are exploring what additional resources and support are required so all fans can attend.”
A No10 spokesman earlier said Sir Keir Starmer had been “angered by the decision”, adding: “While of course this is an operational decision, we are perfectly entitled to speak out on fundamental principles of fairness like this.”
He said: “The Prime Minister will do everything in his power to give Jewish communities the security they deserve and, as he has made clear, we think this is the wrong decision.”
Birmingham City Council said the decision would not be reviewed unless there was a change in the risk assessment provided by West Midlands Police.
Birmingham’s safety advisory group (SAG), which brings together the council and police force, is expected to raise the issue at a meeting early next week.
