US EditionWest Midlands Police apologises to MPs for 'confusion' caused by Maccabi Tel Aviv ban evidence
West Midlands Police formally apologised for giving misleading evidence to MPs about community support for banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans at Villa Park, prompting independent reviews.
- On Tuesday, Chief Constable Craig Guildford apologised to the Home Affairs Select Committee and wrote, `We can confirm that there is no documented feedback from Jewish representatives prior to the decision being communicated which expressed support for the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans`.
- Earlier this month, Assistant Chief Constable Mike O'Hara told MPs police had been told by members of Birmingham's Jewish community they did not want Maccabi fans to attend, and some privately supported the Safety Advisory Group decision in recent weeks.
- A 20,000 euro fine and a suspended away ban were imposed on Maccabi Tel Aviv football club by UEFA this month for fan chanting, and the Safety Advisory Group took the Villa Park decision in October.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the ban as the wrong decision, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood ordered His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services to review risk assessments, with findings due by March 31.
- Sky News revealed the force's intelligence referenced the 2023 West Ham match that did not happen, while Young Boys, Swiss club, was classed medium risk and Richard Brooks said the council and Sag want to learn.
12 Articles
12 Articles
UK Police Force Apologizes for Claiming Jewish Community Supported Ban of Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans From Soccer Match
Soccer Football – UEFA Europa League – Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv – Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain – Nov. 6, 2025. Police officers escort a protester carrying the flag of Israel outside the stadium before the match. Photo: REUTERS/Hannah Mckay West Midlands Police (WMP) in the United Kingdom has apologized to members of Parliament for suggesting that the local Jewish community largely supported the decision to ban fans of the Israeli soccer…
Sky News UK
One News PageWest Midlands Police apologises to MPs for 'confusion' caused by Maccabi Tel Aviv ban evidence
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were banned from attending Aston Villa's ground when the two sides faced each other in the Europa League in November.
West Midlands Police apologises to MPs for 'confusion' over Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban
West Midlands Police has apologised to a cross-party group of MPs after suggesting that Jewish people in Birmingham had expressed support for a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a football match against Aston Villa.The force has admitted there was "no documented feedback" that British Jews wanted fans of the Israeli club banned, despite their claims.The decision to ban the fans in November, which caused huge backlash including that of …
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