A Member of Parliament has been reported to the parliamentary standards commissioner following controversial remarks alleging that West Midlands Police banned Israeli football fans from a match due to pressure from Muslim politicians and activists. The incident, which occurred during a parliamentary session on Monday, involved Democratic Unionist Party MP Sammy Wilson, who claimed that the police decision to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from a November 6 fixture at Villa Park was influenced by “Muslim politicians and Muslim thugs.
The ban, which sparked significant political backlash and was labeled as antisemitic by the British government last month, has been a contentious issue. Middle East Eye previously reported that a confidential West Midlands Police document cited Dutch police warnings about Maccabi Tel Aviv fans being “experienced fighters” and “intent on causing serious violence” during a 2024 incident in Amsterdam. However, a Sunday Times report later contradicted this, alleging that West Midlands Police exaggerated the threat, a claim the force denies.
During the parliamentary session, Wilson questioned Home Office minister Sarah Jones, accusing the police of fabricating their assessment. He argued that the decision left the Jewish community feeling marginalized and demanded an inquiry into potential political pressure on the police. Despite Wilson’s claims, there is no evidence to suggest that West Midlands Police were influenced by external political forces. Numerous MPs, including Muslim and non-Muslim representatives, supported the ban, emphasizing public safety concerns.
Independent Alliance MP Ayoub Khan, a vocal supporter of the ban, condemned Wilson’s remarks as “disgraceful, inflammatory, and deeply irresponsible” and announced plans to file a formal complaint with the standards commissioner. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn echoed these sentiments, stating that the ban was not about targeting Jewish individuals but addressing extremist behavior among football fans.
In response, Home Office minister Jones emphasized the importance of public confidence in policing but refrained from commenting on the specifics of Wilson’s allegations. Labour MP Kim Johnson criticized Wilson’s comments as “reckless, baseless, and deeply divisive,” stressing that the police decision was based on evidence and public safety, not sectarian pressure.
West Midlands Police reiterated their stance, asserting that their evaluation was informed by credible intelligence and aimed at ensuring public safety. The controversy highlights broader concerns about Islamophobia and the use of divisive language in political discourse.