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Police Chief Apologizes for Misstatement on Jewish Community

12/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Mike O’Hara, assistant chief constable of West Midlands Police, apologized to the Jewish community for incorrectly stating that they opposed Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending an Aston Villa match last month.
O’Hara claimed in Parliament that Jewish representatives were consulted before the ban.
The ban followed concerns about disturbances and excluded Maccabi fans from Villa Park.
The decision drew criticism from the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary.

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Story summary

Mike O’Hara, assistant chief constable of West Midlands Police, apologized to the Jewish community for incorrectly stating that they opposed Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending an Aston Villa match last month.
O’Hara claimed in Parliament that Jewish representatives were consulted before the ban.
The ban followed concerns about disturbances and excluded Maccabi fans from Villa Park.
The decision drew criticism from the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary.