Parliament Calls for Clarity on Police Intelligence Regarding Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans

Members of Parliament (MPs) have called on police to provide a detailed account regarding allegedly inflated intelligence that resulted in the prohibition of Israeli fans from attending their club’s match against Aston Villa.

A report published in the Sunday Times suggested that the West Midlands Police (WMP) had overstated the risks associated with Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ahead of the match scheduled for November 6, referencing incidents of violence related to a prior game in the Netherlands.

In response, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stated that if WMP could not provide a satisfactory explanation, Chief Constable Craig Guildford should resign. Home Office Minister Sarah Jones has also reached out to Guildford for clarification on the matter.

WMP defended its assessment, asserting that its strategic plan was “proportionate.”

The article indicated that an intelligence report used by the police described certain Maccabi Tel Aviv fans as “highly organised, skilled fighters with a serious desire to confront police and rival groups.” It further claimed that 500 to 600 fans had targeted Muslim communities in Amsterdam, and that some fans had been thrown into a river, allegations that Dutch police have reportedly denied.

During an urgent question session in the House of Commons, Conservative MP Nick Timothy demanded the release of all intelligence materials related to the ban and the evidence reviewed by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which is responsible for implementing restrictions on away fans for the November 6 match.

Philp criticized the police’s claims, asserting, “The Maccabi fans were not skilled and organised fighters; it was simply fabricated.”

The minister confirmed she had written to WMP to “get to the bottom” of the allegations and that the Home Office has commissioned His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services to conduct a broader inquiry into safety assessment procedures.

She noted that WMP is currently undertaking a debrief of the events leading up to the match and will publish a timeline detailing the decisions made and the rationale for recommendations provided to the SAG.

In response to the claims made in the Sunday Times, a WMP spokesperson remarked, “Our evaluation was primarily based on information and intelligence, with public safety as our foremost concern. We assessed the fixture between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam as having resulted in significant public disorder.”

They added, “We met with Dutch police on October 1, where information pertaining to the 2024 fixture was exchanged.”

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 city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming locale for all.