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Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she is "saddened" the owner of Maccabi Tel Aviv would not be accepting an allocation of tickets for their game against Aston Villa.

Speaking on a visit to Birmingham to attend the Regional Investment Summit on October 21, Ms Nandy said people should be free to attend football matches safely, adding the sport should bring people together.

Despite her disappointment, she added she respected the Israeli club owner's decision.

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Last week Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group announced away fans would be banned from the Europa League fixture on November 6.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport said: "We're saddened the own

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