Labour MP Paula Barker, representing Hillsborough families, has expressed concerns about disregarding safety issues at football stadiums, labeling it a dangerous trend. She raised the Hillsborough tragedy from 1989 in response to the Government’s efforts to ensure Israeli fans can attend a football match in Birmingham, following Maccabi Tel Aviv fans being barred from a Europa League game against Aston Villa due to safety worries.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated that the Government is committed to providing resources to uphold safety measures and facilitate fan attendance at the upcoming match. She emphasized that decisions should not be influenced by fans’ nationality or religion, pointing out the parallels to the overlooked safety concerns preceding the Hillsborough disaster.
Barker highlighted the significance of safety advisory groups and criticized the potential disregard for safety advice in the Maccabi Tel Aviv case, questioning the motives behind attempting to overturn recommendations. Nandy clarified that the Government’s collaboration with local authorities and law enforcement aims to address safety risks effectively for both sets of fans.
Nandy emphasized that the decision to exclude away fans from the match is unprecedented, highlighting the risk assessment’s focus on fans’ Israeli and Jewish backgrounds. She reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring inclusivity and safety for all individuals attending public events in the country, despite rising antisemitism concerns globally.
The Government’s stance is that resources will not be a decisive factor in fan attendance decisions, prioritizing the principle of inclusivity and safety for all. Collaboration with local authorities will continue to assess risks and identify necessary measures to guarantee a secure environment for fans.