Israelis should be welcome in Birmingham

It's like if you try and crack down on anyone with Israeli roots or citizenship for their problematic behaviour, it is seen as an attack on all Israelis and then in turn, all Jewish people. Just by expecting one group of people who happen to be Israeli to follow basic social rules and laws.

Absolutely. Police are happy to police tens of thousands of pro-pally terrorism support. Which reminds me.. where are they all now?? Not marching for all the innocent Gazans being publicly executed by Hamas?

Oh I wonder why? Perhaps, for example, an MP harping on about 'genocide' in abither country may just inflame residents a teensy bit don't you think?

But they haven’t banned all Israelis they’ve banned football hooligans.

Maccabi fans are racist thugs, why should they be welcome when they make monkey noises at black people, and their own black players to add! Chanting horrible things to Arabs? They are aggressive! Is that okay? If it were a Turkish or South African team fans would you want a ban lifted?

On the other hand have Maccabi fans been targets of anti-semitism, yes and it’s disgraceful. It’s also a sad state of affairs that if they were allowed to come the police couldn’t guarantee their safety as they know its likely to get violent between them and pro-pals.

If the situation between Palestine and Gaza wasn’t happening, I imagine it would be a different story, but there are obvious tensions in the UK with Israeli’s - because some people can’t separate Netanyahu the maniac and his cronies from Israeli citizens and Jews who have done nothing wrong.

I do still think its best the football fans are banned, whatever you think the reason is, if it stops violence then good, I don’t feel sorry for the Macabbi fans, they are awful, but I do feel sad that some people would target them just for being Israeli

The government, with access to resources unavailable to the public, proscribed a group with a history of criminal damage, personal injury and dubious funding, and that judgement has been questioned, as this one is.

Perhaps some well meaning pensioners could turn up in maccabi colours just to make a point.

Why would they not be, in England’s second city?

Yes, I do.

Are they proven, violent thugs any more than any other team?

As far as I know there are teams which attract disorderly fans. But I don’t recall any Israeli teams being mentioned. I googled and it looks like Polish and Turkish fans have the worst track record. Are they banned from travelling to games?

Legia Warsaw fans were banned from European matches after their behaviour last year (coincidentally at Villa park).

Frankfurt fans are banned from their match in Napoli in this round due to the behaviour of both sets of fans.

Yes. Not sure about Turkey but Warsaw fans received a 5 match ban from UeFA in 2023 for violent behaviour. It’s by no means unprecedented. I don’t suppose every single fan was violent in that case either but that’s just bad luck for them.

Season ticket holder here - I won't be attending. Even if the away fans are banned I think there's going to be protests from pro Palestinian groups. A lot of people who sit near me have said the same. I would hope that people of all faiths and none are welcome at Villa Park. We do actually have a Jewish supporters group linked to the club and I hope all the members feel able to attend if they wish

The police aren't alway experts. If the local police can't do their job and control the residents and /or any unrest from fans they should perhaps ask other more experienced police forces for advice and support.

Israelis have not been banned from Birmingham. Pure hyperbole. A group of hooligans with proven, violent form has.

Are they proven, violent thugs any more than any other team?

As far as I know there are teams which attract disorderly fans. But I don’t recall any Israeli teams being mentioned. I googled and it looks like Polish and Turkish fans have the worst track record. Are they banned from travelling to games?

Why do you doubt that?

I mean we know Jewish people aren't safe in the UK.... Hence the increased security at Jewish schools and synagogues ...and hence why whenever there's a Jewish event the address is usually kept secret until close to the time..

I doubt Israelis would be banned from any other city.

The police, with access too far more intelligence than you or I, have clearly reached a different decision.
Or do we just ignore experts again?

I never gave an opinion...I asked you.

Their reputation is long term. It's not remotely a new thing.

They are using some fans behaviour as an excuse to ban all purely because the locals <headed by their vocal pro gazan MP> are intolerant. It's very sad and totally ironic. You'd think the very people who have wanted diversity and inclusion themselves would strive for that for everyone.

Any supporters who have demonstrated violent behaviour should have been arrested in whichever county alleged incidences occurred and entry into another country refused.

To ban all Israelis from a predominantly muslim area is antisemitism.

Why do you think they wouldn’t?

Not their fault?! Seriously? Not sure where you get your news.

So do you think a large group of Israelis would be able to congregate in Birmingham in absolute safety? I'm not talking about football fans...just a large group of Israelis with absolutely no history of violence whatsoever.... would they be safe?

I would hope proven, violent thugs would be banned in any British town or city.

Would they be banned in say Newcastle do we think? Or is there something specifically problematic about Brum?