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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Barney Ronay

Ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans is a terrible decision – and a depressing one

Illustration by David Lyttleton for Barney Ronay column on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans being banned
The banning of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans opens the door to more division and political opportunism. Illustration: David Lyttleton

Well, at least we have Ayoub Khan in the house, Birmingham MP and a voice of tolerance, unity and de-escalation in these difficult times. “Sports entertainment events should be enjoyed by all regardless of their race, ethnicity and background,” Khan wrote on X on Thursday. One hundred per cent this. Heart emoji. Slay, king. This is not just the best part of sport. It’s the only real point.

“Now is the time to ease tensions, set aside political difference and focus on the football,” Khan concluded, scattering flowers of all shades, fluttering his fingers to release a cascade of butterflies, and opening his arms to embrace, personally, brothers and sisters of every caste and clime.

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