British Interior Minister Criticizes Police Leadership Over Controversial Soccer Ban

British interior minister Shabana Mahmood criticized one of the country's top police officers, citing a loss of confidence following a recommended ban on Israeli fans attending an Aston Villa soccer match. Both governments condemned the decision, and community leaders accused the police of misrepresenting intelligence.

British Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood expressed a significant loss of confidence in a top police officer after a controversial recommendation to bar Israeli fans from an Aston Villa soccer game last year.

The ban, which was imposed for security reasons, faced condemnation from both the British and Israeli governments. Jewish community leaders accused the police of misrepresenting intelligence and undermining public trust.

"We have witnessed a failure of leadership that has harmed the reputation and eroded public confidence in West Midlands Police and policing more broadly," Mahmood declared in parliament.

(With inputs from agencies.)