Senior police officers in the West Midlands have issued a formal apology to a parliamentary committee after creating what they called "confusion" over claims that members of Birmingham's Jewish community supported banning fans of an Israeli football team from a match.
Apology for Misleading Evidence
The controversy centres on the decision to bar supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending the UEFA Europa League match against Aston Villa at Villa Park on November 6, 2025. The ban was enacted by the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) in October, a body comprising council, police, and other authority representatives.
In early December, Assistant Chief Constable Mike O'Hara told the Home Affairs Select Committee that police had received feedback from Jewish community members who did not want the Maccabi fans to attend. This testimony sparked significant political outcry, including criticism from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
However, in a subsequent letter to the committee, Chief Constable Craig Guildford stated that "there is no documented feedback from Jewish representatives prior to the decision being communicated which expressed support for the ban." He clarified that ACC O'Hara had since been approached privately by some community members who agreed with the SAG's decision, but this occurred after his committee appearance.
Both officers apologised unreservedly for any confusion caused, insisting there was "never any intention to mislead whatsoever." The committee's Conservative chair, Dame Karen Bradley, had demanded the clarification following the police's initial statement.
Independent Review and Wider Scrutiny
In response to the fallout, Birmingham City Council has announced plans for an independent review. Richard Brooks, the council's executive director for city operations, confirmed the SAG intended to commission an external law firm to conduct a "forward-looking review" to improve future governance processes.
The incident has also triggered action at a national level. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has ordered the policing watchdog, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), to examine how police forces across England and Wales provide risk assessments to Safety Advisory Groups for high-profile events. The inspectorate must report its findings by March 31.
Ongoing Issues for Maccabi Tel Aviv
Separately, Maccabi Tel Aviv has faced disciplinary action from European football's governing body, UEFA. This month, the club received a suspended one-match away ban and a fine of 20,000 euros (approximately £17,500) due to alleged discriminatory chanting by its supporters.
The series of events highlights the complex interplay between football safety protocols, community relations, and policing, with lessons expected to shape future policy for major sporting events in the UK.
