Recommendation 7

It is particularly surprising that firm challenge was not applied given the political sensitivity of this decision. The Safety Advisory Group recognised this in asking West Midlands Police for a clearer recommendation and clearer justification to exclude away fans. However, the Safety Advisory Group clearly lacked the ability to consider issues other than narrow safety considerations, including community cohesion and both local and national political consequences. The Safety Advisory Group process rightly focuses on safety but in instances where judgements around safety may be politicised and have national as well as local political ramifications, Safety Advisory Groups are not equipped to challenge the evidence they receive or balance local and national considerations. (Conclusion, Paragraph 31)