A decision by West Midlands Police to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a football match in Birmingham has ignited a political storm and raised concerns about community safety. The ban, initially criticized by the British government as antisemitic, was based on a police assessment that identified significant risks to public order. Documents obtained by Middle East Eye reveal that authorities concluded there was a ‘medium risk to local Muslim communities’ and a ‘high risk to away supporters,’ citing a history of violent and racist behavior among some Maccabi fans. The police also noted fears expressed by various communities about potential attacks and the impact on social cohesion. The controversy deepened when Dutch police informed West Midlands Police that over 200 Maccabi fans involved in violent incidents in Amsterdam were linked to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and were ‘highly organized’ and ‘intent on causing serious violence.’ Despite government criticism, the ban was upheld, with over 700 officers deployed to manage the match and planned pro-Palestine protests. Critics, including MP Jeremy Corbyn, accused the government of distorting facts for political gain, while independent MP Iqbal Mohamed defended the ban as a necessary measure for public safety. The incident highlights the complex interplay between sports, politics, and community relations in a tense geopolitical climate.