British police chief reiterates 'legitimate' decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans

The head of a police force at the centre of a row over a ban on Israeli football fans has defended his decision in front of British MPs.

West Midlands police banned fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending the club's fixture against Birmingham-based club Aston Villa on 6 November over fears of violence in the city.

Chief Constable Craig Guildford and Assistant Chief Constable Mike O’Hara appeared before the British parliament's Home Affairs Select Committee to explain their decision to ban Maccabi fans.

The decision sparked outrage within government and amongst the right-wing media establishment, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy making unfounded claims that the decision was influenced by antisemitism.

Guildford said the decision was not taken lightly and it was a "necessary tactic with a legitimate aim, absolutely not antisemitic, rather a carefully considered, legitimate and necessary measure to ensure public safety".

“I therefore remain satisfied that the policing strategy and operational plan for this match was effective and proportionate," he added.

The West Midlands Police assessment which led to the ban was based on intelligence provided by Dutch police about the conduct of Maccabi fans during a match against Amsterdam in November 2024.

A Guardian report on 21 October said that the police assessment "concluded the biggest risk of violence came from extremist fans of the Israeli club".

History of violence

Middle East Eye seperately revealed that Dutch police told their British counterparts that over 200 Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans who wreaked havoc in Amsterdam were "linked" to the Israeli military.

Documents seen by MEE said hundreds of fans were "experienced fighters", "highly organised" and "intent on causing serious violence".

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Dutch police reported that "significant numbers of Maccabi fans were actively involved in demonstrations and confrontations".

Early reporting by media outlets on the violence in Amsterdam in 2024 characterised the violence as a "pogrom" against Jewish football fans.

Footage later emerged of Maccabi fans attacking locals and chanting racist slogans against Arabs.

Violence involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans is not limited to matches outside of Israel.

On 19 October, Israeli authorities in Tel Aviv cancelled the match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv due to what police there described as "violent riots".

More recently, video emerged on 29 November of dozens of Maccabi fans launching fireworks at a building containing the apartment housing their manager Zarko Lazetic amid the club's recent poor run of results.

According to the Israeli outlet Ynet, Lazetic has since resigned, telling an associate that he "feels threatened and unprotected".