The following statement by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, relates to the ongoing scrutiny of the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the football match against Aston Villa on 6 November 2026.
“I acknowledge, recognise and understand the significant strength of feeling that is shared by many people, including myself, in connection with this contentious issue.
“His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary has written a letter to the Home Secretary to set out his ‘preliminary views’, in relation to the match assessment and categorisation carried out by West Midlands Police around the Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Aston Villa fixture on 6 November 2025.
“I have been sent that letter having had no sight of, or briefing on, its contents before today. I must now give it careful and detailed consideration.
“The letter is not the final HMICFRS report. It describes how the Chief Inspector’s views may ‘develop or change’ as more information is gathered.
“I have listened to the Home Secretary’s statement in the House of Commons and the questions that followed.
“I await the Home Affairs Select Committee report.
“It is my statutory duty to hold the Chief Constable to account for the totality of policing in the West Midlands.
“In order to give all these issues full and proper consideration, I will be taking this matter to a meeting of my Accountability and Governance Board, held in public, on Tuesday 27 January 2026 and asking questions of the Chief Constable.
“In consideration of these matters, it is vital that all involved act in accordance with due process and the law at all times.”
Back to News Archive