MPs Demand Clarity on Police Intelligence Ahead of Match Ban

Members of Parliament have requested that the West Midlands Police (WMP) provide a comprehensive account regarding the allegedly exaggerated intelligence that resulted in the decision to prohibit Israeli fans from attending their match against Aston Villa.

A report published in the Sunday Times suggested that WMP had overstated the potential threat from Maccabi Tel Aviv fans prior to the match scheduled for November 6, referencing incidents of violence related to a game in the Netherlands last year.

In light of this, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stated that if WMP cannot offer a satisfactory explanation, Chief Constable Craig Guildford should consider resigning. Home Office Minister Sarah Jones mentioned that she has reached out to WMP for clarification on the matter.

WMP has defended its assessment, asserting that their operational plan was “proportionate.”

According to the Sunday Times article, an intelligence report utilized by the police claimed that certain Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were “highly organised, skilled fighters with a serious desire and will to fight with police and opposing groups.” Furthermore, it alleged that a group of 500 to 600 fans had targeted Muslim communities in Amsterdam, with claims of fans being thrown into a river, which, according to the newspaper, have been denied by Dutch police.

During an urgent question session in the Commons, Conservative MP Nick Timothy insisted on the release of all intelligence documents related to the ban and the evidence considered by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG). This panel, comprising council and police experts, was responsible for enforcing restrictions on away fans for the match on November 6.

Philp demanded that the government “hold the West Midlands Police to account,” asserting, “The Maccabi fans were not skilled and organised fighters – it was just made up.”

The minister informed MPs that she had contacted WMP to “get to the bottom” of these claims and that the Home Office has requested His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services to conduct a broader investigation into the methodology of safety assessments.

She added that the force is performing a debrief of the events leading up to the match and will publish a “timeline of events, the decisions taken, and the rationale for the recommendations provided to the SAG.”

In response to the allegations reported by the Sunday Times, a WMP spokesperson stated: “West Midlands Police’s evaluation was based primarily on information and intelligence and had public safety at its core. We assessed the fixture between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam as having involved significant public disorder. We collaborated with Dutch police on October 1, where information regarding the 2024 fixture was shared with us.”

Police concluded that a sub-section of Maccabi fans posed “a credible threat to public safety.”

They asserted: “We are satisfied that the policing strategy and operational plan was effective, proportionate, and maintained the city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”