PCC wants ‘immediate review’ of decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from match at Aston Villa

Simon Foster has written to the Prime Minister urging Sir Keir Starmer to work with him to resolve the situation surrounding the match, which has been classified as “high risk” by West Midlands Police.

Birmingham City Council Safety Advisory Group (SAG) said it took the decision to prohibit away supporters from attending the match between Aston Villa FC and Maccabi Tel Aviv – the oldest football club in Israel – on Thursday, November 6, based on a risk assessment provided by West Midlands Police.

Mr Foster said he has requested Birmingham City Council SAG and West Midlands Police convene “a Special SAG at the earliest possible opportunity and conduct an immediate review of the decision”.

In a statement, West Midlands Police said: “We are committed to delivering fair and impartial policing, while balancing the public’s right to protest with our duty to ensure public safety.

“Following a thorough assessment, we have classified the upcoming Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel-Aviv fixture as high risk.

“We have actively engaged with a wide range of local partners and community representatives in preparation for this fixture, and continue to participate in the SAG.

While the Safety Certificate is issued by Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police supports the decision to prohibit away supporters from attending.

“This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 Uefa Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Amsterdam.

“Based on our professional judgment, we believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety.

“We remain steadfast in our support all affected communities, and reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on hate crime in all its forms.”

The Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv at the weekend was cancelled before kick-off after police reported incidents of ‘public disorder’ with smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices being thrown.

A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: “The SAG has made a decision based on a risk assessment provided by West Midlands Police. If there is a change in the assessment of risk in the forthcoming match between Aston Villa Football Club and Maccabi Tel Aviv, then the SAG will commit to review its decision as appropriate.”

The West Midlands PCC said the purpose of his request for a review is to enable the SAG and West Midlands Police to determine, whether or not “this decision and recommendation is appropriate, necessary, justified, reasonable and a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim”.

“That must include consideration, of all and any suitable, alternative options,” said Mr Foster.

“My request for a review of this decision, has included a request for immediate sight of the written decision and recommendation of the SAG, the Event Operational Plan, the assessment carried out by West Midlands Police and any other documentation, relevant to the decision and recommendation.

“The purpose of my request, for sight of this documentation, is to satisfy myself, on an evidence led and informed basis, as to whether or not this decision and recommendation is appropriate, necessary, justified, reasonable and a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim, including whether all and any suitable, alternative options, have been considered.

“However, let me be clear. Any decision or recommendation, is ultimately a matter for the Birmingham City Council SAG and the independent, objective and impartial, operational policing judgment, of West Midlands Police.

“I repeat, the safety and security of all the people and communities of the West Midlands, including visitors to the West Midlands, is my top priority. That is absolute, unconditional and non-negotiable.”

In a statement, Aston Villa Football Club confirmed it has been informed that no away fans may attend the Uefa Europa League match with Maccabi Tel Aviv following an instruction from the SAG.

The club said: “The SAG are responsible for issuing safety certificates for every match at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors.

“Following a meeting this afternoon, the SAG have formally written to the club and Uefa to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture.

“West Midlands Police have advised the SAG that they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night.

“The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision.”

Responding to the decision, the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) said: “The UKFPU supported West Midlands Police in gaining access to the full details of the previous incidents in Amsterdam via the European policing network so they had all the relevant information available to them.

“Following this, the Home Office were briefed last week by the UKFPU about the potential issues and options that the SAG may take including restrictions on visiting fans.

“The SAG is made up of independent bodies who make recommendations to the licensing authorities and the priority is always the safety of those attending matches and the wider public. This process was supported the Sports Ground Safety Authority. It is important that we respect and support the structures in place for making these decisions. If there are any adverse incidents, then they are the ones that will be held responsible.

“The UKFPU, in the wake of the Casey Review following the serious disorder at Wembley in 2021, has suggested that if the Government wants a role in regulating football events that could be termed ‘events of national significance’, then they need to bring forward legislation to formalise this to ensure accountability sits with decision-makers.”