Revealed: The £2 Million Policing Bill for Villa Park Clash
The substantial cost of policing the high-profile European football match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv has been officially disclosed. West Midlands Police incurred an estimated £2 million bill for the operation surrounding the Europa League fixture on November 6.
The match, which was the subject of significant security concerns, required a massive police presence. A total of 700 officers were deployed, with some being brought in from other forces across the country, to manage the event and any potential protests.
Police Commissioner Demands Financial Recoup
Simon Foster, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, has publicly called for a 'special grant' from the Home Office to cover the enormous cost. He emphasised that this £2 million expenditure is a major financial blow for a force that needs to find £15 million in savings in the coming year.
In a written response, Mr Foster stated, "We can...ill afford the costs associated with this policing operation... (so) ask that the Home Affairs Committee recommend that West Midlands Police receive a 'special grant'." He argued this is essential to ensure public safety in the West Midlands is not compromised by the force being left out of pocket.
Controversial Fan Ban and Parliamentary Scrutiny
The revelation of the cost comes amidst ongoing controversy. Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were banned from attending the match at Villa Park, a decision based on intelligence about potential protests. Mr Foster revealed that the policing operation ultimately saw the event pass off relatively peacefully, with only 11 arrests and no reported injuries.
He also pointed out that the financial burden would have been significantly higher had the Israeli club's supporters been permitted to attend. The intelligence that led to the fan ban has been questioned, prompting an urgent question in Parliament on Monday, November 24.
Mr Foster clarified that the legal accountability for the safety certificate and the decision to issue it rests solely with the local Safety Advisory Group, chaired by Birmingham City Council. He firmly stated that if national government ministers wished to override such local decisions in the future, they must, by law, assume full responsibility and liability.
