A member of the Labour Party, representing Hillsborough families, has cautioned against overlooking safety concerns at football stadiums, emphasizing the potential risks involved. Paula Barker, the MP for Liverpool Wavertree, cited the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy in response to the Government’s efforts to facilitate the attendance of Israeli fans at an upcoming football match in Birmingham. This move follows the exclusion of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from a Europa League match against Aston Villa due to safety issues.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy pledged governmental support to ensure the safety of fans at the forthcoming match, expressing dismay over factors including the nationality and religion of the fans being considered in the safety assessment. In parliamentary discussions, Ms. Barker drew parallels to the Hillsborough disaster, underscoring the importance of addressing safety concerns promptly.
Regarding the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, Ms. Barker stressed the significance of respecting safety advisory groups’ recommendations and voiced concern over attempts to overturn expert advice. She questioned whether the safety assessments guiding the ban were thoroughly considered, pointing out recent incidents in Israel involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans.
Ms. Nandy refuted claims of disregarding safety advice, asserting the collaborative efforts with law enforcement and local partners to mitigate risks and enable a safe match environment. She emphasized the unprecedented nature of the decision to entirely exclude away fans based on nationality and religion, emphasizing the need to avoid discriminatory practices.
In response to queries from the opposition, Ms. Nandy reiterated that resources would not dictate fan attendance decisions, emphasizing inclusivity as a fundamental principle. She highlighted the broader context of rising antisemitism globally and recent tragic events in Manchester, underscoring the importance of supporting police independence in conducting risk assessments objectively.
In conclusion, Ms. Nandy reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding inclusivity and public safety, affirming that decisions related to fan attendance would prioritize risk management and community well-being.