The government’s response to West Midlands police’s ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans was “clumsy”, “late” and “did little more than inflame tensions”, a group of MPs has found.
A report by the home affairs select committee, published on Sunday, analysed the original decision to ban away fans from a Europa League fixture with Aston Villa in November, as well as the advice that led to it.
The report concluded West Midlands police (WMP) relied on “inaccurate information” and “failed to do even basic due diligence” on its intelligence.
The committee also criticised the Home Office, which it said “failed to recognise the significance of the decision and escalate properly”, despite being informed more than a week
Continue Reading on The Guardian
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.