The Daily T 'They lied and lied again': Police in the dock over Maccabi ban and vetting failures
Jan 9, 2026
Jonny Gould, a broadcaster and devoted Aston Villa fan, dives into the uproar surrounding West Midlands Police's ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans. He passionately critiques the police's narrative, labeling it as victim-blaming while emphasizing the emotional toll on the Jewish community. Gould discusses the historical context of fan behavior and expresses hope that football can bridge community divisions. The conversation also touches on alarming police vetting failures, showcasing the pressing need for accountability in law enforcement.
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Episode notes
Police Narrative Inversion
- West Midlands Police presented a narrative that Maccabi fans were the threat, but evidence suggested local Muslim groups were preparing violence.
- That inversion meant the police may have protected potential perpetrators rather than safeguarding the likely victims.
Misinterpreted Dutch Intelligence
- Dutch police say West Midlands misinterpreted advice about Maccabi's behavior abroad, undermining the force's justification.
- That dispute suggests the ban rested on inaccurate intelligence and flawed inter-force communication.
Personal Experience At Villa Park
- Jonny Gould described buying a 50-50 Villa–Maccabi scarf and intending to welcome Israeli fans at Villa Park.
- He called the ban one of the saddest days in his Aston Villa life and said the decision 'monsterised the Israelis'.
