MPs Seek Answers on Ban of Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans by West Midlands Police

Inquiry into Safety Decision

Members of Parliament are calling for further information from West Midlands Police regarding their choice to prohibit Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending a Europa League match at Aston Villa last month. This restriction was set in place by the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) based on recommendations from law enforcement, and it has prompted discussions, including calls for a review from figures such as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

During a session on December 1, the Home Affairs Committee gathered testimony relating to the process behind this decision. Following this, they have reached out to West Midlands Police, SAG, and the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) for additional clarification on several points.

Clarifications Requested

The chair of the committee, Karen Bradley, has asked Chief Constable Craig Guildford to clarify the statements made by Assistant Chief Constable Mike O’Hara. O’Hara indicated that police had been informed by Jewish community representatives expressing a desire to see Maccabi fans kept out of the event.

West Midlands Police later issued a statement attempting to clarify O’Hara’s remarks, insisting that it was not suggested that Jewish individuals had explicitly advocated for the exclusion of Maccabi supporters.

In a letter published on Wednesday, Bradley requested that Chief Constable Guildford clarify the claims made by O’Hara, noting that it appears they were inaccurate. She emphasized the seriousness of potentially misleading Parliament, whether intentionally or not, and requested a correction along with an explanation of how the error occurred.

A representative from the police department confirmed receipt of the committee’s letter and stated that a response would be forthcoming.

Additional Requests for Information

• Aston Villa vs. Maccabi Tel-Aviv: Police make 11 arrests at match
• Maccabi Tel-Aviv expresses discontent over early arrival at Aston Villa game
• UK Government expresses deep disappointment as Maccabi declines Villa Park tickets

Bradley also reached out to the SAG to obtain the minutes from its three meetings regarding the match. She inquired whether the group had reviewed a report from Lord Mann, the Government’s independent adviser on antisemitism, which focused on disturbances from a previous fixture involving Ajax and Maccabi.

The UKFPU has been asked to provide any communications it had with Lord Mann, particularly concerning why his report was not shared with West Midlands Police. Further, the committee has requested details about communications with Maccabi and Israeli authorities, including whether they were made aware that Maccabi ultras intended not to attend the game.

The UKFPU has been approached for a comment regarding these inquiries.