Pro-Gaza MP demands 'apology' from Keir Starmer over 'disgraceful' Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban row

Mr Khan, the MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, has been vocal in his support in banning the Israeli football fans from attending the game.

The derby between rivals Hapoel and Maccabi was called off on Sunday following violent clashes between supporters. Police said 12 civilians and three police officers were injured, while nine people had been arrested, after smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices were thrown.

Mr Khan said: "Contrary to Keir Starmer's disgraceful comment labelling our West Midlands Police and the safety advisory group as antisemitic, this was never about religion. It was always about hooliganism.

"And I'm confident that you know this deep down. We have now yet had another taste of these hooligans, people who show no mercy, not even on their own turf, let alone ours."

Sir Keir voiced his disappointment at the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Villa Park last week, claiming: "We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets."

MPs grilled Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy later today over the decision, with Tory MP Nigel Huddlestone making an Urgent Question.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she will not intervene using existing powers to get Maccabi fans to the game against Aston Villa.

Ms Mahmood, who is MP for Birmingham Ladywood is waiting on a response from West Midlands Police to specify on the resources needed to ensure the safety of all fans for the match on Thursday, November 6.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister has promised to do everything in his power [to get away fans to the game] .

"This is the wrong decision, we are working urgently with all partners, exploring what additional resources are needed early this week. We are waiting to see how West Midlands police respond."

In the Commons today, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy warned the behaviour of Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans "in particular" has previously been "reprehensible".

Lisa Nandy was responding to a question from Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston, who said: "What practical steps will be taken to ensure the safety of all fans and residents? While many football teams have some undesirable supporters intent on causing trouble, let’s recognise the vast majority of fans want nothing more than to enjoy a good game of football.”

Ms Nandy said: "He’s right to say that there are a minority of supporters in every club, and in this club in particular, whose behaviour is reprehensible, but that is not the case for all fans.

"And what is astonishing in this case is that it is unprecedented in modern times that all away fans have been banned because of the behaviour of a small minority. So we’re working with the police to try and support them, to be able to look at that in the round. He is right to say that we need action, not just warm words."

The decision was taken by the Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group (SAG) after West Midlands Police warned that it would be a "high risk" event.

The decision has been condemned by the Government, as well as by the Tories, the Lib Dems and Reform UK, however it was welcomed by pro-Gaza Independent MPs, the Your Party co-founders and the Green Party.

Mr Huddleston said: "Have we really reached the point where we cannot welcome visitors from overseas to our second city, because we cannot guarantee their safety on British streets in British football grounds? This is not how modern Britain should present itself to the world."

Ms Nandy responded: "The Home Secretary, myself, the chancellor, the Prime Minister and the Community Secretary are united in saying that we will find the resources that need to be made available once the West Midlands Police has come forward with the risk assessment.

"[We] will work as one Government to make sure that those resources are forthcoming because of the important principle, fundamental principle, that is at stake about what sort of country we are."