West Midlands Police questioned by MPs on Maccabi-Villa match fan ban

A police force preparing to mount a major operation for the Maccabi Tel Aviv match against Aston Villa has been asked by MPs to explain its decision to ban away fans from attending.

More than 700 officers will be on the streets of Birmingham for Thursday's Uefa Europa League match amid expected protests, alongside police horses, dogs, drones and roads units.

The Home Affairs Committee has now written to West Midlands (WMP) Chief Constable Craig Guildford and police commissioner Simon Foster, over the ban.

WMP has said it came as it was known protests would take place around Villa Park. Mr Foster's office said he wasn't involved in the risk assessment and took no part in the decision.

Last month, the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the match became the focus of parliamentary-level debate.

The Israeli club later said supporters would not travel to Birmingham for safety reasons.

After the ban was imposed, it emerged WMP had classified the fixture "high risk", citing "violent clashes and hate crime offences" during a November 2024 Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, in Amsterdam.

On Monday, the force set out details of the "significant" policing operation, external that would accompany the match.

Birmingham police commander Ch Supt Tom Joyce said the force had worked with partners including the council, Aston Villa Football Club and other emergency services.

He said the force had plans in place which balanced the right to protest with its duty to protect all communities in Birmingham.

"Anyone who breaks the law will be dealt with directly, as will those who incite hate," he said.

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