Former Labour leader and independent MP Jeremy Corbyn has accused Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy of making “grossly misleading” statements in parliament regarding the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a November match against Aston Villa. Corbyn’s letter, revealed by the Guardian, highlights police intelligence that contradicts Nandy’s claims, asserting that the ban was primarily due to the risk of violence posed by Maccabi fans, not their Israeli or Jewish identity. Labour ministers have called for the ban’s reversal, labeling it antisemitic. Police intelligence, supported by Dutch authorities, indicated that Maccabi fans had previously attacked random Muslims in Amsterdam, raising concerns about potential violence in Birmingham. West Midlands Police also noted local Jewish support for the ban, fearing reprisals from residents. Nandy defended the ban in parliament, emphasizing the safety of Maccabi fans due to their Israeli and Jewish identity. Corbyn, however, insisted the ban was not about religion but about public safety, urging Nandy to retract her comments. Independent MPs, including Ayoub Khan and Iqbal Mohamed, criticized the conflation of antisemitism with the ban, highlighting the fans’ violent history. Maccabi Tel Aviv later announced it would not sell tickets to its fans for the Birmingham match, following a history of violence and hate speech in European cities, including a recent ban in Amsterdam.
Corbyn demands Lisa Nandy retract ‘misleading’ Maccabi Tel Aviv smears against MPs
