policing

Nandy said ministers were working together to fund any necessary policing operation to allow away fans to attend, and the SAG would review the decision if West Midlands Police changed its risk assessment.

Calling the decision "wrong", Nandy said it was "not for the government to assess the risk surrounding this football match" but that ministers were working together to fund the necessary policing operation.

"The Commissioner has been clear he doesn't believe officers should be policing toxic culture war debates, with current laws and rules on inciting violence online leaving them in an impossible position," the spokesperson said.

At the time, the UK's policing watchdog recommended authorities stop recording and investigating hate incidents that were not criminal offences.

"He cannot do a Pontius Pilate and maintain he cannot interfere because policing is devolved."