West Midlands Police has clarified that a senior officer did not intend to suggest the Jewish community supported banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a recent football match in Birmingham. Assistant Chief Constable Mike O'Hara initially told Members of Parliament that some community representatives had concerns about the match, but later apologised, stating it was never his intention to imply explicit support for the exclusion. The decision to bar away fans was made by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group based on police intelligence and concerns about potential risks, though some of this intelligence was later found to be inaccurate. The match proceeded with a large police presence and only minor incidents, while the police emphasised ongoing engagement with the Jewish community and a commitment to accurate communication.