West Midlands crime commissioner to review evidence following Home Affairs Committee hearing on Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner has pledged a formal review of evidence and police accountability around the banning of a Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from an Aston Villa match.
Simon Foster has committed to a formal review of evidence following the Home Affairs Committee’s inquiry into the exclusion of away fans from the Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv fixture held in November.
The commissioner’s statement follows testimony provided to Parliament on January 6, where West Midlands Police addressed questions regarding the decision-making process led by the Birmingham City Council Safety Advisory Group.
Following the evidence session at the Home Affairs Committee on Tuesday, Mr Foster said: “There has been significant interest, including from the Home Affairs Committee, in the circumstances leading to a decision by the Birmingham City Council Safety Advisory Group, to exclude away fans from attending the football match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv, which took place on November 6, 2025.
“I will review any report or recommendations agreed by the Home Affairs Committee, and the oral evidence provided to the Committee on December 1, 2025 and January 6, 2026.
“I also await the reports being prepared by His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Fire and Rescue commissioned by the Home Secretary. I will have a statutory duty to respond to these reports when they are published.
“I have also requested a report to my public Accountability and Governance Board on Tuesday, January 27, at which I will hold the Chief Constable and West Midlands Police to account.
“I will continue to keep this matter under review, in accordance with due process and the law at all times.”
