Jewish communities warned West Midlands police that a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a match against Aston Villa “could be perceived as antisemitic”, documents show.

Supporters of the Israeli team were banned from attending the Europa League fixture at Villa Park in Birmingham on 6 November sparking outrage, with the prime minister, Keir Starmer, condemning it as “wrong” and suggesting it amounted to antisemitism.

The Guardian obtained redacted minutes from a meeting of the council-led safety advisory group on 16 October – the day the ban was announced – via a freedom of information request.

In comments attributed to the West Midlands police, the document states: “Jewish community groups have expressed concern that banning away fans could be perceived as antisemitic, rather than a public safety decision.

“This perception could undermine trust and increase reputational risk for authorities and the club.”

According to the document, the police also said it was aware of concerns among the Aston Villa fanbase surrounding hate crime incidents “particularly isolated incidents of antisemitic abuse”.

The revelations come after West Midlands assistant chief constable, Mike O’Hara, apologised to members of Birmingham’s Jewish communities after he told MPs that some had expressed support for...