Key Takeaways
- The West Midlands police classified a match as high risk due to "intelligence and previous incidents".
- Some Jewish community representatives in Birmingham expressed concerns about Maccabi fans attending the match.
- The police decision to ban away fans was partly based on police intelligence and input from the Safety Advisory Group (Sag).
- The police force has apologized for any misunderstanding and clarified that it was not implied that Jewish community members explicitly supported the exclusion of Maccabi fans.
- The police force is committed to engaging with the Jewish community and addressing their concerns.
Introduction to the Incident
The match in question had been classified as high risk by the West Midlands police, prompting a decision to ban away fans. This decision was based on "intelligence and previous incidents", according to the police. The classification of the match as high risk was not taken lightly, and the police had to consider various factors before making a decision. The input from the Safety Advisory Group (Sag), a panel that includes Birmingham City Council and the police, also played a role in the decision-making process.
Police Justification and Community Concerns
When questioned by the Home Affairs Committee on the justification for the decision, Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) O’Hara revealed that some Jewish community representatives in Birmingham had expressed concerns about Maccabi fans attending the match. Conservative MP Karen Bradley, chair of the committee, asked ACC O’Hara to clarify whether Jewish community representatives had explicitly stated that they did not want Maccabi fans to attend the match. ACC O’Hara responded affirmatively, stating that a range of faiths, backgrounds, and ethnicities were concerned about the potential risks. However, it was later clarified that the intention was not to imply that Jewish community members had explicitly supported the exclusion of Maccabi fans.
Clarification and Apology
A police spokesperson later issued a statement to clarify the situation, stating that it was never the intention of the officer to imply that Jewish community members had explicitly expressed support for the exclusion of Maccabi fans. The force expected further engagement with the committee and would ensure that this was clearly articulated. In a letter to a local representative, ACC O’Hara apologized for any consternation caused and made it clear that it was not his intention to imply that Jewish community members had explicitly supported the exclusion of Maccabi fans. The police force recognized that this had been a difficult time for the local Jewish community and was committed to actively engaging with them to address their concerns.
Decision-Making Process and Safety Advisory Group
The decision to ban away fans was partly based on police intelligence, as well as input from the Safety Advisory Group (Sag). The Sag is a panel that includes Birmingham City Council and the police, and its input is crucial in ensuring the safety of attendees at large events. The police force worked closely with the Sag to assess the risks associated with the match and make an informed decision. While the decision to ban away fans may have been controversial, the police force believed it was necessary to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Conclusion and Future Engagement
In conclusion, the police decision to ban away fans was based on a range of factors, including police intelligence and input from the Safety Advisory Group. While some Jewish community representatives had expressed concerns about Maccabi fans attending the match, it was later clarified that the intention was not to imply that Jewish community members had explicitly supported the exclusion of Maccabi fans. The police force has apologized for any misunderstanding and is committed to engaging with the Jewish community to address their concerns. As the police force moves forward, it is essential that they continue to prioritize the safety of all attendees while also being sensitive to the concerns of the local community. By doing so, they can work towards building trust and ensuring that future events are successful and safe for all involved.
