The Chief Constable of West Midlands Police has issued a public apology after making comments that suggested the Jewish community in Birmingham supported a ban on fans of an Israeli football club.
Controversial Comments and Swift Apology
In a statement released on Friday, 6th December 2025, Chief Constable Chris Johnson expressed his "profound regret" for the remarks. The comments were made during a discussion about the decision to prevent supporters of Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending a match in Birmingham. The force had cited specific intelligence about a threat to public safety as the reason for the ban.
Johnson had reportedly stated that the decision was supported by "the Jewish community in Birmingham." This characterisation sparked immediate concern and criticism from community leaders and organisations, who argued it wrongly implied a unanimous view within a diverse community and risked inflaming tensions.
Community Reaction and Police Clarification
Following the backlash, the Chief Constable moved quickly to retract his statement. He clarified that his words did not accurately reflect the situation and acknowledged the mistake. "I apologise unreservedly for my comments," Johnson said. "It was wrong to imply that the Jewish community in Birmingham held a single, collective view on this policing operation. The decision was based solely on operational policing intelligence regarding a risk to public safety."
The Board of Deputies of British Jews, a leading representative body, welcomed the apology but emphasised the importance of careful language from senior officials. A spokesperson noted that such statements could inadvertently stereotype communities and increase community tensions, especially during sensitive times.
Operational Decision and Lasting Implications
The original policing decision, which remains in effect, was taken ahead of a European football fixture. West Midlands Police maintained that the prohibition on away fans was a necessary and proportionate measure based on credible security information. The force reiterated that the operational choice was independent and not a reflection of community opinions.
This incident has prompted discussions about the relationship between police forces and the communities they serve. Experts suggest it underscores the need for precise communication from senior officers, particularly on matters involving specific ethnic or religious groups, to maintain public trust and avoid misrepresentation.
The apology from Chief Constable Chris Johnson is seen as a critical step in repairing any damage caused by the remarks. West Midlands Police stated its commitment to continuing its work with all communities across Birmingham to ensure safety and foster strong, respectful partnerships.
