Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) may open an investigation into West Midlands Police regarding their decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending a football match against Aston Villa. This action was prompted by concerns over reports of violent behavior by these fans at previous away games. The IOPC told the BBC that it would only proceed if the evidence warranted such a step, adding that it needs to review the information carefully before deciding on any further action.
Rachel Watson, the director of the IOPC, expressed a readiness to use the watchdog’s “power of initiative” given the delicate nature surrounding this case. The controversy began when West Midlands Police banned Maccabi fans from the 6 November match held in Birmingham, basing their decision on intelligence that has since been called into question. The government’s adviser on antisemitism, Lord Mann, has stated that some of the data used by the police was inaccurate and was seemingly altered to justify the exclusion of supporters.
West Midlands Police have faced significant scrutiny as two senior officers appeared before the Home Affairs Committee and seemed to reiterate some of these inaccuracies. The IOPC noted that it generally investigates cases referred by police forces — usually involving matters where civilians have died or where police misconduct is alleged — so initiating an investigation proactively in this matter would be unusual. Nonetheless, an IOPC spokesperson emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust and police accountability by examining the force’s involvement in the decision.
In parallel, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services is reviewing the risk assessment conducted by West Midlands Police prior to the fixture. This includes evaluating the completeness of the intelligence gathered. Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Committee has sought further evidence about the involvement of Chief Constable Craig Guildford and Assistant Chief Constable Mike O’Hara, particularly regarding their testimony earlier this month. The IOPC has contacted both West Midlands Police and the local police and crime commissioner to demand assurances about any internal conduct assessments and to understand why a formal complaint has not yet been submitted.
The initial ban was reportedly influenced by information provided by Dutch police, relating to violent disturbances during a Europa League match in Amsterdam between Ajax and Maccabi. However, Dutch courts later found that while fans of the Israeli club did face violence, some incidents cited by West Midlands Police—such as the removal of Palestinian flags—were misrepresented or took place at different times than reported. The police also mistakenly referenced a non-existent match between Maccabi and West Ham. Following the controversy, the force apologized for Assistant Chief Constable O’Hara’s incorrect claim that Jewish community representatives wished to exclude Maccabi fans, a statement that was not supported by those community members.
Adding to the tension, Maccabi Tel Aviv was recently fined €20,000 (£17,550) due to discriminatory and racist behavior displayed by their supporters during a match in Stuttgart in December. Alongside the fine, the club received a suspended ban from one away match. Despite West Midlands Police’s assurances that their decision was not made lightly, leading politicians, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have condemned the ban as an act of antisemitism
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.