Chief Constable Craig Guildford admitted the force had ‘no documented feedback’ from the community when the claim was made, but insisted there was ‘never any intention to mislead’
December 31, 2025 07:27
West Midlands Police have apologised to MPs after providing potentially misleading evidence to a House of Commons select committee.
The force's senior leadership appeared before the Home Affairs Select Committee earlier this month to examine the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from their side's Europa League game against Aston Villa in Birmingham on November 6.
During the session, Assistant Chief Constable Mike O'Hara told MPs that the local Jewish community largely supported the move, though did not provide evidence of this.
The claim prompted outrage from several Jewish groups, which insisted that the community opposed the exclusion of Israeli fans.
As a result of the "confusion", Chief Constable Craig Guildford has now been recalled by the committee to give further evidence.
And, in a letter submitted prior to his upcoming hearing, Guildford admitted that O'Hara's statement had been incorrect and apologised to the committee.
"We can confirm that there is no documented feedback from Jewish representatives prior to the decision being communicated which expressed support for the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans," he wrote.
"ACC O'Hara and I would like to take this opportunity to formally apologise to the Home Affairs Select Committee for any confusion caused and would like to reassure you that there was never any intention to mislead whatsoever."
However, he then appeared to double down by claiming that members of the Jewish community had supported the ban in the weeks since O'Hara's appearance, again without providing evidence of this.
Guildford claimed that O'Hara "has been approached by members of the Jewish community who expressed that they agree" with the ban.
He added: "Understandably, many community members chose to share their views privately, offering their support in confidence."
Responding to Guildford’s apology, independent peer, and JC director, Lord Austin said: “West Midlands Police told Parliament the Jewish community backed banning Maccabi fans from Birmingham.
“[Conservstive 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.”
Both Guildford and O'Hara will appear before the committee on January 5.
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