The Government will "provide what is necessary" to ensure Maccabi Tel Aviv fans can attend next month's Europa League game against Aston Villa.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said blocking away fans from the game at Villa Park on November 6 was "very difficult to justify" after local authorities announced the Israeli team's fans would be barred amid safety concerns.

It comes after the Tel Aviv derby between rivals Hapoel and Maccabi was called off on Sunday following violent clashes between supporters. Police said 12 people and three officers were injured.

Following the disorder, Independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr Ayoub Khan described fans of Maccabi as "hooligans, people who show no mercy" and demanded Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer apologise for his criticism of the ban

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