Representatives of the force even noted that Jewish groups ‘expressed concern that banning away fans could be perceived as antisemitic’, according to official records disclosed under a Freedom of Information request
January 2, 2026 09:42
Minutes taken at meetings to discuss the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Birmingham in November fail to back up West Midlands Police's (WMP) claim that it was supported by the local Jewish community, according to records released to the JC following a Freedom of Information request.
Supporters of the Israeli team were prohibited from attending their club's Europa League match with Aston Villa late last year.
The decision, made by the city's Safety Advisory Group (SAG) with input from police, prompted significant backlash from British Jews, as well as both the government and opposition, with the prime minister calling it "wrong".
Discussing the move in a hearing with the Home Affairs Select Committee, though, Assistant Chief Constable Mike O'Hara claimed that the ban had been supported by members of the Jewish community, who had expressed their views to the force.
However, the official record of the SAG meeting on 16 October, the day the ban was confirmed, shows that the force did not make that same claim during the meeting itself.
According to the minutes, there was no suggestion from the force that the ban was supported by the community, even during the section of the meeting dedicated to "community sentiment and impact".
None of the five representatives of WMP gave any indication that such support had been received.
And, while they noted in a separate section that “local policing teams are actively engaging with community leaders and representatives,” there was again no indication that these representatives had offered support for the ban.
They did, though, state: "Jewish community groups have expressed concern that banning away fans could be perceived as antisemitic, rather than a public safety decision.
"This perception could undermine trust and increase reputational risk for authorities and the club."
WMP have since apologised for O'Hara's claim, with Chief Constable Craig Guildford insisting there was "never any intention to mislead" parliamentarians, but admitting the force had received "no documented feedback from Jewish representatives" regarding the decision.
Yet, in his apology statement, Guildford also repeated the claim that community members had voiced support for the ban, without providing any evidence.
He claimed that O'Hara "has been approached by members of the Jewish community who expressed that they agree," adding: "Understandably, many community members chose to share their views privately, offering their support in confidence."
Responding to Guildford’s apology, non-affiliated peer, and JC director, Lord Austin said: “West Midlands Police told Parliament the Jewish community backed banning Maccabi fans from Birmingham.
“[Conservative MP] Nick Timothy and I said this was rubbish and they have now had to admit there is no evidence to substantiate it, however Craig Guildford now claims ‘many’ members of the local Jewish community agreed with it but chose to ‘share their views privately, offering their support in confidence’.
"He is making himself and his force look more ridiculous every time they comment.
"His position is untenable and if the [Police and Crime Commissioner] won’t deal with it, then the Home Office must.”
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