Ahead of tonight’s Europa League match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel-Aviv, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has issued a clear message to all involved – urging unity, respect and responsibility to ensure everyone’s safety.
In a statement, the Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, Simon Foster, said:
“Whatever one’s views about events, leading up to this evening’s football match, there is one matter and one matter alone, about which we must all agree. The safety and security of everyone involved, must be the one and only top priority.
“That includes the local community, fans attending the match, people exercising their right to peaceful protest, the players, team officials, club staff, police officers and staff and the wider West Midlands.
“I have been briefed on the police operation and I am holding West Midlands Police to account, to deliver on that top priority.
“I commend the commitment, dedication, hard work and professionalism of police officers and staff – some of whom I am planning to meet with today – that has informed the planning and preparation of this police operation.
“I expect police officers and staff to implement the operation as planned – firmly but fairly – and to remain independent, objective and impartial and to act without fear or favour at all times – so as to deliver on that top priority.
“I remind everyone who is planning to attend the match, in whatever capacity, that we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that is disciplined, respectful, mindful of our duty of care to each other and that keeps us all safe and secure. That must be, our collective, one and only top priority.”
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