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sports1d ago
Minutes of meeting that led to Maccabi Tel Aviv ban ‘thrown away’
Thetimes.com and 1 more
- A senior police officer admits he threw away the original notes containing intelligence from the meeting that sparked Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban, raising questions about record-keeping and the decision's basis.
- The decision to ban away Tel Aviv fans followed a virtual meeting on October 1, 2025, where Dutch police shared information about violence and disorder.
- An official report states that the lack of contemporaneous notes made it impossible to determine exactly what the Dutch police said, undermining the evidence base for the ban.
- West Midlands Police chief Constable Craig Guildford retired with immediate effect amid the scandal over the Maccabi Tel Aviv ban, following intense political and public pressure.
- Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster states the retirement was handled to protect due process and avoid distraction to the force.
- HM Inspectorate of Constabulary flagged significant concerns about preparation and planning by West Midlands Police in relation to the ban.
- Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green was appointed as acting chief constable to lead the force's response and restore trust.
- West Midlands Police faced broader scrutiny with calls for leadership change as the Maccabi Tel Aviv ban was examined by MPs and officials.
- The Safety Advisory Group's ban on away fans for the Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv match occurred amid broader policing oversight and calls for transparency.
- The investigation underscores a need for transparent handling of official records connected to sanctions and their justification.
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