West Midlands Police has formally apologised to Members of Parliament after admitting it provided inaccurate evidence linked to the decision to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending a Europa League match at Aston Villa. The admission has intensified political scrutiny of how the ban was justified and communicated to Parliament.
The apology follows a rare move by the Home Affairs Select Committee to recall the force’s leadership after concerns were raised about statements made under oath regarding consultation with the Jewish community in Birmingham.
Police chief issues written apology to Parliament
The apology was delivered in a letter from Craig Guildford, Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, to the Home Affairs Select Committee.
In the letter, Guildford acknowledged that previous evidence given to MPs was incorrect. He confirmed that there was no documented feedback from Jewish community representatives supporting the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before the decision was announced.
He said both he and Assistant Chief Constable Mike O Hara regretted the confusion caused and stressed there was no intention to mislead Parliament.
How the controversy unfolded
The issue centres on a Europa League fixture in November between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Supporters of the Israeli club were banned from attending the match at Villa Park due to security concerns amid heightened political tensions.
The controversy escalated earlier this month when Assistant Chief Constable Mike O Hara told MPs that members of Birmingham’s Jewish community had supported the exclusion of visiting fans.
That claim was later challenged, prompting MPs to seek clarification and eventually recall senior officers for further questioning.
Key points acknowledged by West Midlands Police
In his letter, Guildford set out what the force now accepts about the process and evidence shared with MPs.
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No written or recorded feedback from Jewish representatives supported the ban
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Previous testimony gave an inaccurate impression of community backing
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The force accepts responsibility for the confusion caused
These admissions have shifted the focus from the original security decision to the accuracy of parliamentary evidence.
Political reaction and parliamentary scrutiny
Members of the cross party Home Affairs Select Committee described the situation as serious, noting that police evidence to Parliament must meet the highest standards of accuracy and transparency.
Guildford is scheduled to appear before the committee alongside O Hara to explain how the incorrect evidence came to be presented and what steps will be taken to prevent a repeat.
A senior committee member said the recall reflected the gravity of the issue rather than a routine procedural disagreement.
Match context and security concerns
The Europa League tie was considered high risk due to international tensions and concerns about protests. West Midlands Police had argued that restricting away fans would reduce the risk of disorder.
While the force maintains that security assessments were made in good faith, the absence of documented community support has raised questions about how the decision was framed publicly and politically.
What happens next
The upcoming committee hearing is expected to examine internal communication within the police force and how evidence was prepared for MPs.
Here is a snapshot of the main parties involved in the controversy.
| Role | Organisation or Individual |
|---|---|
| Policing authority | West Midlands Police |
| Parliamentary oversight | Home Affairs Select Committee |
| Football clubs | Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv |
The outcome of the hearing could influence future guidance on policing high profile sporting events and the standards expected when forces brief Parliament.
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