Key Takeaways:
- The UK government’s adviser on antisemitism has criticized West Midlands Police for using "inaccurate" intelligence to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match.
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is considering an investigation into the force’s decision-making process.
- The police force has faced criticism for inaccuracies in its intelligence report, including a claim that Maccabi fans pulled down Palestinian flags on match day when the incident occurred the night before.
- The IOPC has written to West Midlands Police and the region’s police and crime commissioner to seek assurances over what assessments they have made of any conduct.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv was fined €20,000 for "racist and/or discriminatory behaviour" by supporters during a game at Stuttgart in Germany.
Introduction to the Controversy
The decision by West Midlands Police to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match has sparked controversy, with the government’s adviser on antisemitism, Lord Mann, criticizing the force for using "inaccurate" intelligence. The ban was based on information given to the force by Dutch police commanders concerning violence that broke out in Amsterdam last year during a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi. However, Lord Mann has since told the Home Affairs Committee that some facts about the earlier matches had been changed to fit the decision, and that the intelligence report contained several inaccuracies.
Criticism of West Midlands Police
West Midlands Police has faced criticism over two of its high-ranking officers appearing to reiterate some of these inaccuracies before the committee. The force’s Assistant Chief Constable, Mike O’Hara, repeated an affirmation to the committee that representatives of the Jewish community had said they did not want Maccabi fans at the match, when they had said no such thing. The force has since apologized for this mistake. Additionally, the intelligence report cited Maccabi fans "pulling down Palestinian flags" on match day in the Netherlands, when the incident occurred the night before. The report also referred to a match between Maccabi and West Ham which never happened.
IOPC Investigation
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) tends to investigate cases that have been referred to it by individual police forces, usually when someone has died due to police action, or if a police officer is accused of a criminal offence. However, the IOPC is considering an investigation into West Midlands Police’s decision-making process without a referral, which is relatively rare. A spokesperson for the IOPC said that it is "right for public confidence and police accountability that the force’s involvement in the decision-making process is examined." The IOPC has written to West Midlands Police and the region’s police and crime commissioner to seek assurances over what assessments they have made of any conduct.
HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services Investigation
The HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services is examining the risk assessment West Midlands Police carried out before the fixture and the extent to which the intelligence it gathered "reflected the full information and intelligence picture". The Home Affairs Committee has also asked the force for "additional evidence" relating to Chief Constable Craig Guildford and Assistant Chief Constable Mike O’Hara’s committee appearance earlier this month. The IOPC spokesperson said that it is "important for us to assess evidence related to these processes before determining our next steps."
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Disciplinary Action
Maccabi Tel Aviv was fined €20,000 (£17,550) for "racist and/or discriminatory behaviour" by supporters during their game at Stuttgart in Germany on 11 December. Fans were also given a suspended one away match ban. This disciplinary action has been seen as a separate issue from the controversy surrounding West Midlands Police’s decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match. However, it has highlighted the need for football clubs and authorities to take a strong stance against racism and discrimination in the sport.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding West Midlands Police’s decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match has highlighted the need for accurate intelligence and decision-making in policing. The IOPC’s consideration of an investigation into the force’s decision-making process is a welcome step towards ensuring accountability and transparency. The disciplinary action taken against Maccabi Tel Aviv for "racist and/or discriminatory behaviour" by supporters is also a reminder of the need for football clubs and authorities to take a strong stance against racism and discrimination in the sport. Ultimately, the goal should be to ensure that football is a safe and inclusive environment for all fans, regardless of their background or beliefs.
