Former West Midlands Police Chief Under Investigation Over Controversial Maccabi Tel Aviv Match Ban

The former Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, Craig Guildford, is facing an investigation for gross misconduct regarding the decision to block Israeli football fans from attending a match at Villa Park.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed on Tuesday that it has served notices of investigation to Guildford, three other police officers, and a member of police staff. The probe follows an independent inquiry launched in January to scrutinize the planning and preparation protocols surrounding the Europa Conference League match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv, held on 9 November 2023.

The decision to exclude away supporters sparked significant national and international backlash, with the UK government intervening at the time, stating it would do everything in its power to have the ban overturned. Despite this pressure, the restriction remained in place, leading to a high-profile controversy regarding the management of high-risk fixtures.

Investigators are now focusing on the integrity of the information provided to the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which ultimately led to the recommendation that fans be barred from the stadium.

According to the IOPC, evidence suggests that Guildford may have had direct oversight of an intelligence briefing document presented to the SAG. The watchdog alleges that this document contained “inaccuracies and misleading information” that painted an “imbalanced view” of the security risks posed by the Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters.

“Our investigation is looking at whether the information provided to the Safety Advisory Group was accurate and whether the decision-making process was compromised by the nature of that intelligence,” a spokesperson for the IOPC stated.

The inclusion of the former Chief Constable marks a significant escalation in the watchdog’s review. The investigation into the conduct of the officers and staff remains ongoing, and the IOPC has emphasized that the serving of a notice does not necessarily imply that misconduct charges will be brought, but rather that the allegations are serious enough to warrant a formal, independent inquiry.

The controversy prompted intense scrutiny over how police forces assess risk and manage the delicate balance between public safety and the rights of fans to attend sporting events. West Midlands Police has stated it is cooperating fully with the IOPC’s ongoing investigation.