A representative for Hillsborough families, a Labour MP, has cautioned against disregarding safety concerns at football stadiums, highlighting a potential “slippery slope.”

Paula Barker, the Member of Parliament for Liverpool Wavertree, brought up the tragic event of 1989 when discussing the Government’s efforts to facilitate Israeli fans’ attendance at an upcoming football match in Birmingham. This move follows the banning of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a Europa League match against Aston Villa due to safety worries.

In response to the situation, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy assured that the Government will allocate necessary resources to ensure police support and fan safety at the upcoming game. She expressed dismay over the decision being influenced by the fans’ Israeli and Jewish backgrounds.

During a parliamentary session, Ms. Barker drew parallels with the Hillsborough disaster, emphasizing the importance of addressing and not neglecting safety concerns as done in the past.

Ms. Nandy clarified that the Government’s aim is to work collaboratively with local authorities and law enforcement to address safety risks without compromising fan attendance at the match. She underlined the commitment to prioritizing fan and community safety.

Regarding the Maccabi Tel Aviv case, Ms. Nandy emphasized that decisions should not exclude individuals based on their nationality or religion. She stressed the need to combat antisemitism and discrimination while ensuring fair treatment for all individuals.

Ms. Nandy reiterated that resources will not be a barrier to fans attending the match, emphasizing the principle of inclusivity and non-discrimination in public events. She highlighted ongoing collaboration with authorities to assess risks and find solutions for safe fan participation.