A former chief constable has been referred to the police watchdog over the controversial decision to prevent supporters of an Israeli football club from attending a match in Birmingham last year.
Watchdog Launches Independent Investigation
The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed on Monday that it has initiated an investigation into the roles played by officers and staff from West Midlands Police. The probe focuses on the decision to ban away fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv from the UEFA Europa Conference League match against Aston Villa on 6 November last year.
"We have decided to use our 'power of initiative' to call in the matter and independently investigate to determine if any officer or staff member may have a case to answer for misconduct," stated the IOPC. The watchdog said it had examined substantial evidence relating to the force's planning for the high-profile fixture.
"As questions remain about individual roles, duties and planning for the game, we have determined an independent investigation is warranted," the IOPC added.
Leadership Under Scrutiny Following Damning Review
The referral follows the retirement of 52-year-old Craig Guildford, who stepped down as chief constable last Friday. His departure came just days after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood declared she had lost confidence in the senior officer.
Ms Mahmood's loss of confidence stemmed from a critical watchdog review published the previous Wednesday. The review identified "confirmation bias" and a "failure of leadership" within West Midlands Police concerning the fan ban.
In his retirement statement, Mr Guildford argued that the "political and media frenzy around myself and my position has become detrimental to all the great work undertaken by my officers and staff."
PCC Makes Voluntary Referral to Restore Confidence
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, who held the power to dismiss the chief constable but chose not to exercise it, initially stated Mr Guildford had "acted with honour." However, on Monday, after meeting with the force's acting chief and deputy chief constables, Mr Foster confirmed he had made a voluntary referral to the IOPC.
"These matters have had a significant impact on public confidence, and the confidence of particular communities in the West Midlands. This is unacceptable," Mr Foster said. He emphasised that holding the force accountable for its actions regarding the 6 November ban remains a "top priority."
The IOPC's investigation will now seek to establish the full chain of events and decision-making that led to the prohibition of the Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters, a move that sparked significant controversy and debate about policing and safety at football matches.
