Watch live – Aston Villa manager faces the media as No 10 works ‘at pace’ to reverse ban on fans

Discussions are happening "at pace" across government to reverse a safety ban preventing fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending next month’s Europa League game at Aston Villa, Downing Street has said.

It comes after one minister branded the move "unacceptable" on Friday, following condemnation from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last night.

The Tel Aviv club are due to play Villa on November 6, but travelling supporters have been banned from attending by the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), responsible for issuing safety certificates for matches at Villa Park.

The ruling was made based on advice from West Midlands Police, who raised concerns about public safety and the force’s ability to deal with potential protests.