Police Oversight Body Considers Investigation into Maccabi Fan Exclusion

Potential Inquiry into West Midlands Police

The independent oversight body for police, known as the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has revealed that it might look into the West Midlands Police regarding their decision to prevent Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending an Aston Villa match.

According to a statement made to the BBC, the IOPC noted that they could initiate an investigation if the evidence justifies it, although they emphasized the need to review and evaluate the evidence first before proceeding.

Concerns Over Decision-Making Process

Rachel Watson, the director of the IOPC, expressed readiness to exercise the office’s “power of initiative” in light of the complexities surrounding the situation. The restriction on Maccabi fans stemmed from incidents of unruly behavior reported at other matches they attended.

Controversy Surrounding the Intelligence Used

Recently, the government’s advisor on antisemitism has stated that some of the intelligence behind the police’s decision appears to have been flawed. Lord Mann revealed to the Home Affairs Committee earlier that essential facts regarding previous games were altered to support the ban.

Criticism of Police Officials

West Midlands Police faced backlash after two senior officers seemed to reiterate inaccurate statements during the committee’s discussions. Typically, the IOPC investigates cases referred to them by police forces, particularly in scenarios involving fatalities or criminal accusations against officers.

Current Status of the Investigation

While no formal investigation is currently underway, an IOPC spokesperson affirmed the importance of examining the police’s role in the decision to mitigate public concerns regarding police accountability. The body also noted that HM Inspectorate of Constabulary is reviewing the risk assessment executed by West Midlands Police prior to the match, specifically regarding whether the intelligence gathered represented all relevant information.

Additionally, the Home Affairs Committee has sought further documentation related to the testimonies given by Chief Constable Craig Guildford and Assistant Chief Constable Mike O’Hara during earlier discussions.

Inquiry into Evidence and Context

A spokesperson for the IOPC mentioned they have contacted West Midlands Police and the regional police and crime commissioner for clarification on assessments made regarding the situation and why no formal referral had been initiated.

Officials previously relayed that the ban was rooted in intelligence supplied by Dutch police about violence connected to Maccabi fans during a Europa League match in Amsterdam last year. However, Dutch judicial findings indicated that Maccabi supporters faced aggression and pointed out incidents of vandalism and racial slogans used by fans at that time.

Despite West Midlands Police asserting that the decision was not made lightly, prominent figures, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have condemned the move as antisemitic. Lord Mann has indicated several inaccuracies in the intelligence report provided by the police, questioning events cited about Maccabi fans’ conduct during the match in the Netherlands and other supposed incidents that did not occur.

Apologies Over Miscommunication

The West Midlands Police have also had to apologize for Assistant Chief Constable O’Hara’s assertions that Jewish community representatives had requested the ban on Maccabi supporters, which was denied by those involved.

In related news, Maccabi Tel Aviv received a fine of €20,000 (£17,550) for “racist and/or discriminatory behavior” by fans during a recent match in Stuttgart, alongside a suspended one-match away fan ban.