Summary

  • Discussions are happening "at pace" to resolve Maccabi Tel Aviv fans being banned from attending a football game against Aston Villa next month, Downing Street says

  • Calls are growing for a review - West Midlands Police has requested an "immediate" reassessment as the PM says it was the "wrong decision"

  • The Football Policing Unit, which backed the ban, says the Home Office was briefed last week on "potential issues and options... including restrictions on visiting fans"

  • Aston Villa said yesterday the group responsible for issuing safety certificates in Birmingham had advised that fans of the Israeli club would not be permitted to attend the 6 November Europa League match

  • West Midlands Police supported the decision, saying it had classified the fixture as "high-risk", but the Jewish Leadership Council calls it "perverse" and Israel's foreign minister says it's "shameful"

  • Last November, violence broke out in Amsterdam around a match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, with a police chief at the time saying there had been incidents "on both sides"

  1. Watch live as Radio 5 audience voice their viewspublished at 09:10 BST 17 October

    BBC Radio 5 Live's Nicky Campbell is taking calls on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans being blocked from next month's Aston Villa match- you can Watch live at the top of this page.

  2. Starmer criticises decision to stop Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending Villa matchpublished at 09:09 BST 17 October

    The prime minister has criticised a decision to stop supporters of the Israeli football team Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending a Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham next month.

    The decision was suggested by the group responsible for issuing safety certificates for matches at Villa Park, after consultation with West Midlands Police.

    The police force says it supports the decision, saying it had classified the fixture as "high-risk".

    Aston Villa says it's in "continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities," with the safety of supporters and local residents "at the forefront of any decision".

    But Keir Starmer says it's the "wrong decision". Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the move a "national disgrace" and suggested the PM should act to reverse it.

    We're poised to bring you updates and analysis as this story develops, so stay with us.