Watchdog investigates West Midlands Police over Israeli fan ban

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into West Midlands Police.

It follows the retirement of Chief Constable Crag Guildford over the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a match with Aston Villa.

He faced numerous calls to resign after admitting providing incorrect evidence to MPs, which included the denial that AI was used in preparing a report which led to a ban on the Israeli club’s fans.

The IOPC said they had begun their own investigation and had not yet received a referral from Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, although he said he was making one.

In a statement released on Monday, Foster addressed the controversy regarding the Maccabi Tel Aviv ban and the road to Guildford’s eventual resignation.

“These matters have had a significant impact on public confidence, and the confidence of particular communities in the West Midlands. This is unacceptable,” he said.

“The force know that I expect them to comply with the very highest standards of conduct at all times.

“I will therefore today make a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding any conduct matters by the former Chief Constable in relation to these events.”

Foster said that he met with the acting chief and deputy chief constables on Monday morning, where he “received assurances there [would] be an effective and efficient operational transition” following Guildford’s retirement.

He added that continuing to hold the force to account for its actions arising from the ban remained a top priority.

On Tuesday 27 January, Foster will also host an accountability and governance board where he will consider in public a report he has requested from West Midlands Police, as well as asking the force questions.

“I acknowledge the continuing and understandable public interest. I will continue to hold West Midlands Police to account,” he said.

“That is absolute, unconditional and non-negotiable.”

The commissioner has also faced calls to resign over his decision not to sack Guildford.

Before Monday’s announcement, Stephen Silverman, from the Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: “The police and crime commissioner prevaricated, procrastinated, refused to get rid of Mr Guildford when it was quite clear that that was the only route possible.”

The campaign’s chief executive, Gideon Falter, added the decision was a “pitiful failure” from Foster.

Announcing his retirement on Friday, Guildford, 52, did not offer an apology and blamed what he described as the “political and media frenzy” for his decision to step down.

“I have carefully considered my position and concluded that retirement is in the best interests of the organisation, myself and my family,” he said.

“It has been the honour of my career serving as the chief constable of West Midlands Police.”