MPs demand clarity on ban for Maccabi Tel Aviv fans
MPs are demanding further answers from West Midlands Police over the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a Europa League match at Aston Villa last month, reports BritPanorama.
The local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) decided to ban away supporters from the match for safety reasons, following police advice.
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, was among those who urged a review of the decision. The Home Affairs Committee heard evidence on the decision-making process but has now written to West Midlands Police, the SAG, and the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) requesting further clarification on several points.
Committee chair Karen Bradley asked WMP Chief Constable Craig Guildford to explain the evidence given by Assistant Chief Constable Mike O’Hara. He told the committee that the police had been informed by members of the Jewish community they did not want Maccabi fans to attend the match.
The police subsequently issued a statement clarifying Assistant Chief Constable O’Hara’s comments, stating, “It was never the intention of the officer to imply that there were members of the Jewish community who had explicitly expressed support for the exclusion of Maccabi fans.”
Bradley wrote in her letter to the Chief Constable, published on Wednesday: “Please could you clarify the remarks made by Assistant Chief Constable Mike O’Hara that Jewish community representatives objected to the presence of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, something which we now understand to be untrue. Misleading Parliament, intentionally or otherwise, is a serious matter and we would be grateful if you would correct the record and explain how this mistake occurred.”
A police spokesperson stated, “We have received the letter from the Home Affairs Committee and will be responding in due course.” Bradley also requested that the SAG provide the minutes of its three meetings regarding the fixture.
She further inquired whether the SAG had considered a report by Lord Mann, the Government’s independent adviser on antisemitism, which focused on trouble surrounding a fixture between Ajax and Maccabi the previous year. The UKFPU was asked to share records of conversations with Lord Mann and the reasons for not sharing his report with WMP.
The UKFPU was also requested to provide details on its communications with Maccabi and the Israeli authorities, particularly surrounding the attendance of Maccabi ultras at the match. A Dutch police document revealed that Amsterdam authorities had determined Maccabi supporters were victims of orchestrated attacks rather than instigators.
In their risk assessment ahead of the Villa Park encounter, WMP alleged that substantial numbers of Maccabi supporters had participated in “demonstrations and confrontations” during the Amsterdam fixture, claiming that up to 600 Israeli fans had engaged in “a variety of targeted, hate-motivated crimes.” However, arrest figures from the Amsterdam clashes revealed that only 10 of the 59 individuals detained were Israeli nationals, while 49 were Dutch citizens.
The unfolding events highlight the complex intersection of safety, community sentiments, and football dynamics, reminding us of the delicate balance authorities must navigate in addressing fan safety while fostering a culture of inclusivity in sports. The matter continues to develop, underscoring the significant stakes involved in such decisions.
