Dutch Police Accused of Relying on Flawed Intelligence to Ban Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans

Discrepancies in reports from Dutch and UK authorities raise questions about the basis for the ban and the reliability of intelligence gathering.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

West Midlands Police (WMP) in the UK are facing scrutiny over their decision to ban supporters of the Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending a match against Aston Villa. The ban was based on allegations of 'hate-motivated crimes' by Maccabi fans during a previous match in Amsterdam, but a newly revealed Dutch official report paints a significantly different picture, indicating that the Israeli fans were actually the victims of an assault by Dutch nationals. The discrepancies have prompted calls for an independent investigation and greater transparency from the WMP regarding the intelligence used to justify the ban.

Why it matters

The incident highlights broader concerns about the reliability of intelligence gathering and the potential for bias in policing, particularly when it comes to handling issues that do not involve physical harm. The fallout from this case could have implications for the suitability of Birmingham's Villa Park to host matches during the 2028 European Championships, as well as the overall trust in the Dutch police system.

The details

According to the Dutch report, Maccabi fans 'do not have a violent reputation' and were, in fact, the victims of a planned assault by Dutch nationals in Amsterdam. Of the 59 individuals arrested, only ten were identified as Israeli, while the remaining 49 were Dutch. This directly contradicts the claims made by WMP officers to justify the ban on Maccabi fans attending the Aston Villa game.

  • In November 2025, the alleged incidents involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans occurred in Amsterdam.
  • In December 2025, Chief Constable Craig Guildford of West Midlands Police testified before the Home Affairs Select Committee about the ban on Maccabi fans.
  • In June 2022, the Schneiders Committee in the Netherlands published a report highlighting significant issues within the Dutch National Police Unit.

The players

West Midlands Police (WMP)

The police force in the West Midlands region of the UK that implemented the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending the match against Aston Villa.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club

The Israeli football club whose supporters were banned from attending the match against Aston Villa.

Craig Guildford

The Chief Constable of West Midlands Police who testified before the Home Affairs Select Committee about the ban on Maccabi fans.

Schneiders Committee

A committee in the Netherlands that published a report in 2022 highlighting significant issues within the Dutch National Police Unit.

Safety Advisory Group (SAG)

The local group in Birmingham that provided a report to the West Midlands Police containing claims about Maccabi fans that were later found to be inaccurate.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.