West Midlands Police and Birmingham’s safety advisory group have reevaluated their decision regarding the exclusion of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the upcoming match against Aston Villa, despite facing significant political criticism.
Amidst the controversy, the Villa Safety Advisory Group, overseen by Birmingham City Council, conducted a private meeting to address accusations of ‘antisemitism’ surrounding the initial ban.
Noteworthy individuals such as Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and leaders from the Jewish community have voiced disapproval of the decision. Former West Midlands police chief Mat Shaer criticized the ban as ’embarrassing,’ with the Campaign Against Antisemitism threatening legal action if the exclusion persisted.
In response, the UK Policing Unit defended the police and the safety advisory group, emphasizing that any governmental intervention in football policing decisions would require legislative changes. Following extensive discussions among police, local authorities, and community leaders, the Home Office pledged full support to West Midlands Police to ensure the safety of Israeli fans attending the match.
Despite thorough consideration of various factors, the Safety Advisory Group upheld its initial decision and conveyed guidance to Aston Villa once again. A council spokesperson affirmed, “A multi-agency Safety Advisory Group (SAG) has convened to assess any potential public safety concerns related to the Aston Villa vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv football match.”
However, The Board of Deputies of British Jews expressed disagreement with the ban. President Phil Rosenberg criticized the decision, highlighting concerns that it could create ‘no-go’ areas in the country. He further mentioned efforts to explore alternative solutions, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and safety for all.
West Midlands Chief Constable Craig Guildford defended the decision, citing professional judgment based on received intelligence reports. While specific details influencing the ban remain undisclosed, police intelligence pointed to potential risks associated with extremist fans of the Israeli club.
The Safety Advisory Group’s assessment did not address the ban’s implications of antisemitism but factored in the likelihood of protests and demonstrations in and around the venue. Intelligence reports indicated possible pro-Palestine protests, pro-Israel demonstrations, anti-racism gatherings, and the presence of activist Tommy Robinson and his supporters, notwithstanding the ban on away fans.
Notably, the Tel Aviv derby between Maccabi and Hapoel in the Israeli Premier League was recently marred by violent clashes, leading to the match’s abandonment prior to kickoff.