The ban is not universally admired.

The decision to ban fans of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending a Europa League match in Birmingham has ignited a storm of criticism, underlining deep divisions over public safety, antisemitism, and political accountability.

The ban, recommended by Birmingham City Council’s Safety Advisory Group and supported by West Midlands Police, was labelled “utterly unacceptable” by Culture Minister Ian Murray and denounced as a “national disgrace” by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer condemned the ban, calling it the “wrong decision” and emphasising that the UK must actively combat antisemitism. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch warned that barring Maccabi Tel Aviv fans risks sending a “horrendous and shameful message” that Jews are not welcome in parts of Britain. Israeli officials, alongside the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK, have also criticised the move.

Yet the controversy is complicated by local politics. Ayoub Khan, the independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr and a pro-Gaza campaigner, publicly supported the ban, framing it as a matter of operational safety.

And not at all one of ethno-religious hatreds. Yeah right.

Khan’s support for the ban is inseparable from his track record of controversial remarks, which have repeatedly sparked public outrage.

In April 2025, Khan faced a political storm after referring to Pakistani grooming gangs scandal as a “right-wing narrative.” Critics accused him of dismissing the widespread abuse of young girls across England. Former Conservative MP Michael Portillo condemned Khan’s comments as “naive at best and malicious at worst,” arguing that such remarks undermine public trust and trivialise the suffering of victims.

This is because religions have content. The incloosivity fans like to pretend they don’t, but that’s absurd. Much of the content of religions is hatred of rival religions. Canst thou draw out Leviathan with a hook? Nope.