The Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, Simon Foster said:
“The safety and security of all the people and communities of the West Midlands, including visitors to the West Midlands, is my top priority. That is absolute, unconditional and non-negotiable.
“I have today requested, Birmingham City Council Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and West Midlands Police (WMP), convene a Special SAG, at the earliest possible opportunity and conduct an immediate review of the decision, to prohibit the attendance of away fans at the football match, between Aston Villa FC v Maccabi Tel Aviv FC, on Thursday 6 November.
“The purpose of my request for a review, is to enable the SAG and WMP to determine, whether or not this decision and recommendation is appropriate, necessary, justified, reasonable and a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. That must include consideration, of all and any suitable, alternative options.
“My request for a review of this decision, has included a request for immediate sight of the written decision and recommendation of the SAG, the Event Operational Plan, the assessment carried out by WMP and any other documentation, relevant to the decision and recommendation.
“The purpose of my request, for sight of this documentation, is to satisfy myself, on an evidence led and informed basis, as to whether or not this decision and recommendation is appropriate, necessary, justified, reasonable and a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim, including whether all and any suitable, alternative options, have been considered.
“However, let me be clear. Any decision or recommendation, is ultimately a matter for the Birmingham City Council SAG and the independent, objective and impartial, operational policing judgment, of West Midlands Police.
“I repeat, the safety and security of all the people and communities of the West Midlands, including visitors to the West Midlands, is my top priority. That is absolute, unconditional and non-negotiable.”
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