Table of Contents
- Police Chief's Admission
- Questioning by MPs
- Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group
- Police Database Findings
- Public Apology
- Assistant Chief's Statement
- Criticism of Police Actions
- Government Response
A police chief today acknowledged that his officers used incorrect information found online to justify a ban on Jewish football fans.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford is facing calls to resign following these revelations.
West Midlands Chief Constable Craig Guildford has acknowledged that officers used incorrect information to justify a ban on Jewish football fans – and now faces calls for his resignationCredit: Unpixs
Pro-Palestine activists protest at Villa Park during the match between Aston Villa and the Israeli team Maccabi Tel AvivCredit: Getty
The chief faced intense questioning from MPs regarding this decision made in November.
Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group, which consists of representatives from the city council and police, labeled the event as “high risk” due to past disturbances involving the Israeli club.
The Home Affairs Select Committee was informed that officers found no documented incidents in the police database within the UK; however, they did come across a social media post related to the matter.
Mr. Guildford stated, “I have been clear that the information was incorrect, and I have offered my apologies.”
Assistant Chief Constable Mike O’Hara informed the hearing that the force had intelligence suggesting that some locals intended to “seek violence” against Jewish fans.
Critics have accused the police of catering to a predominantly Muslim community in the area.
Lord Austin of Dudley, who leads on antisemitism for the Government, stated, “This has been a disgraceful cover-up.”
The Tory leader remarked, “West Midlands Police yielded to Islamists and then collaborated with them to conceal it. The Chief Constable’s position is no longer tenable.”
There were no Maccabi fans present at the event.
FAQs
Why did the police ban Jewish football fans?
The police justified the ban based on incorrect information they found online, which suggested potential violence against Jewish fans.
What was the reaction to the police's decision?
There has been significant criticism, with calls for the Chief Constable to resign and accusations of the police pandering to local community pressures.
Did the police offer an apology?
Yes, Chief Constable Craig Guildford publicly apologized for the misinformation used to justify the ban.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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