MPs Demand Clarity from Police on Intelligence Regarding Match Ban

Members of Parliament have called for West Midlands Police (WMP) to offer a more comprehensive account of the allegedly overstated intelligence that resulted in the decision to prohibit Israeli fans from attending their club’s match against Aston Villa.

According to a report published in the Sunday Times, WMP is said to have exaggerated the potential threat posed by Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters ahead of the match scheduled for November 6, referencing incidents of violence linked to a previous game in the Netherlands.

In light of these claims, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stated that unless WMP can provide a satisfactory explanation, Chief Constable Craig Guildford should consider resigning. Home Office Minister Sarah Jones has confirmed she has reached out to Guildford for clarification on the matter.

WMP has defended its assessment, asserting that its approach was “proportionate”. The Sunday Times article indicated that the intelligence report utilized by the police alleged that certain Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were “highly organized, skilled fighters with a serious desire and will to fight with police and opposing groups”. Moreover, it was claimed that these fans had previously targeted Muslim communities in Amsterdam, with reports of several individuals being thrown into a river—allegations that Dutch police have reportedly denied.

During a Commons session, Conservative MP Nick Timothy placed an urgent question, demanding the release of all intelligence material related to the match ban as well as evidence considered by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which is responsible for managing safety protocols for events.

Philp emphasized the importance of holding West Midlands Police accountable, asserting, “The Maccabi fans were not skilled and organized fighters; it was simply fabricated.”

The minister informed MPs that she has requested WMP to clarify the circumstances surrounding the claims and confirmed that the Home Office has solicited an investigation from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services to evaluate the procedures for safety assessments.

She noted that the police are undertaking a debrief of the events leading up to the match and will release a timeline detailing the decisions made and the rationale behind the recommendations presented to SAG.

In response to the claims made by the Sunday Times, a spokesperson for WMP stated, “West Midlands Police’s evaluation was primarily based on information and intelligence, with public safety as our primary concern. We assessed the match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam as having involved significant public disorder. We consulted with Dutch police on October 1, where pertinent information regarding that fixture was shared with us.”

The police concluded that a segment of Maccabi fans posed a “credible threat to public safety” and affirmed that their policing strategy and operational plan were effective, proportionate, and upheld the reputation of the city as a secure and welcoming environment for all.