'Embarrassing admission' says ex chief superintendent

A PROMINENT Jewish police chief who led the fight against hate crime for West Midlands Police has condemned the force for its "embarrassing" admission that it can't keep visitors safe for the Villa-Maccabi match.

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Former Chief Superintendent Mat Shaer, who was force lead against hate crime until he retired in 2023, hit out as pressure mounts on West Midlands Chief Constable Craig Guildford to act.

Shaer wrote: “So my old force effectively admits it hasn't got the ability or resources to stop public disorder or prevent violence on the streets it polices - embarrassing and a damning indictment.”

He retired after 32 years in policing, where he latterly led multiple initiatives aimed at diminishing hate incidents and building community cohesion. His comment added to calls for a U-turn over the decision.

Simone Schehtman, spokeswoman for West Midlands Friends of Israel, said the decision had caused further “deep fear” in an already anxious community.

She said: “Deep fear in our community has been sown by this seriously antisemitic decision. It provides further evidence that we are not in a safe place, even at a football match.