Emails and meetings related to the contentious ban decision were sent to us by Birmingham City Council after a freedom of information request, containing redactions on security grounds.

West Midlands Police told a safety planning meeting that Jewish groups warned excluding Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from an Aston Villa match “could be perceived as antisemitic” – weeks before telling MPs the Jewish community backed the ban, according to documents obtained by Sky News.

The revelation comes after the force had to apologise for misleading the Home Affairs Select Committee ahead of its leadership being recalled to be questioned again by MPs on Tuesday.

Emails and meetings related to the contentious ban decision were sent to Sky News by Birmingham City Council after a Freedom of Information request, containing redactions on security grounds.

But they include minutes of the council’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) on 16 October – the day the ban on Israeli fans was ratified over the danger posed by them.

There is a section on “community sentiment and impact” attributed to West Midlands Police, which had five representatives on the online Teams meeting.

The minutes say: “Jewish community groups have expressed concern that banning away fans could be perceived as antisemitic, rather than a public safety decision.

“This perception could undermine trust and increase reputational risk for authorities and the club.”

Read More: Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ban: West Midlands Police ‘knew of antisemitism warning from Jewish groups”