“This must never happen again” – those are the words of West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster after he quizzed police chiefs over the handling of the Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban.
The PCC today made clear that the events surrounding the Europa League fixture, which included the banning of Israeli supporters, must never be repeated.
Speaking at his Accountability and Governance Board, the PCC said he had been unequivocal with new Acting Chief Constable Scott Green that restoring trust and confidence in policing across the West Midlands must now be the overriding priority.
The PCC also confirmed that prior to the former Chief Constable’s retirement he had immediately commenced preparation of the process to enable him to dismiss the Chief Constable.
The meeting examined in detail the planning, decision-making and policing operation linked to the match in November.
Mr Foster also asked Acting Chief Constable Scott Green about the force’s use of Artificial Intelligence, poor record keeping by officers at meetings with Dutch police and the findings of confirmation bias.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said: “I acknowledge, recognise and understand the significant strength of feeling that is shared by many, including myself.
“The Acting Chief Constable and I have already met on five occasions, to discuss the actions that the force must take to re-build trust and confidence, including addressing the significant matters identified by HMIC.
“That is essential, because without trust and confidence in our police force, it is not possible to ensure that policing is with the consent of the people or to have an effective and efficient police force.”
During the meeting Acting Chief Constable Scott Green apologised for the way the force had handled the operation around the game.
He said: “The failings identified… to the Home Secretary in relation to our planning, policing and subsequent response to the Aston Villa versus Maccabi Tel Aviv, are damning.
“A direct impact of our actions has been a loss of trust and confidence from the public of the West Midlands. More specifically I know we have damaged our relationship with individuals and Jewish communities – locally, nationally, and internationally.”
The PCC confirmed that he will continue to hold the force’s leadership to account, working with the Acting Chief Constable to drive the changes needed to rebuild trust and confidence and ensure the highest standards of policing for communities across the region.
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