Ex-West Midlands Police chief investigated over decision to ban Israeli fans from Aston Villa match

The former chief constable of West Midlands Police is being investigated over a decision to ban supporters of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending a match against Aston Villa in Birmingham.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said its initial probe found Craig Guildford may have committed gross misconduct.

Three other officers and a staff member are also being investigated, the watchdog said.

Maccabi supporters were barred from travelling to a Europa League game against Aston Villa at Villa Park in November amid safety concerns based on an inaccurate report prepared by West Midlands Police.

Eight errors were found in the report, including overstating Maccabi supporters' role in disorder in Amsterdam in 2024, and a reference to a non-existent game between Maccabi and West Ham, said to have been produced by Microsoft Copilot.

The IOPC said evidence indicates Mr Guildford, who retired in January, "may have had oversight on an intelligence briefing document presented to the safety advisory group (SAG) that was later reported to have contained inaccuracies and misleading information".

It is alleged the briefing document "gave an imbalanced view of the risk away fans posed", contributing to the decision to ban the supporters.

IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell said: "Our investigation to date has been to assess whether there is an indication anyone may have breached one or more of the standards of police professional behaviour.

"We have examined a wealth of material, hundreds of pieces of evidence, and believe there is an indication some people serving with the police may potentially have behaved in a manner that could justify disciplinary proceedings.

"They have been informed their conduct will be investigated. At the end of our investigation, we will decide if anyone has a case to answer and should face a misconduct meeting or hearing."

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The decision to ban the Israeli fans led to widespread criticism from political figures, including then prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, who said it was the "wrong decision", and ultimately led to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood saying she no longer had confidence in Mr Guildford's leadership.

Under pressure to step down from his role as chief constable, Mr Guildford announced he was retiring after facing what he called a "political and media frenzy".

The IOPC said a dedicated investigation team examined more than 600 pieces of evidence, including operational documents, reports, intelligence research, minutes of meetings, and a large volume of correspondence including emails and messages.

Witness statements were also taken and the team also sought expert witness advice.

The IOPC said: "Having examined all evidence currently available to us, we have assessed that there is an indication Mr Guildford, a senior officer, and a staff member may have committed gross misconduct.

"They have been served notice that we are investigating their conduct.

"Evidence presently available indicates Mr Guildford may have had oversight on an intelligence briefing document presented to the safety advisory group (SAG) that was later reported to have contained inaccuracies and misleading information.

"We consider Mr Guildford may have failed to ensure due diligence and the highest level of scrutiny over such an influential document.

"It's alleged the briefing - presented to the SAG on 24 October and which underpinned the decision to ban Maccabi fans - gave an imbalanced view of the risk away fans posed compared to risks they may have faced."

A senior serving officer under investigation for potential gross misconduct allegedly failed to ensure the document was accurate, while the staff member has been accused of sourcing the inaccurate information using AI.

Of the two other senior serving officers under investigation for potential misconduct, one is accused of not properly balancing operational needs alongside engaging with local Jewish communities, and reportedly lacking impartiality towards Maccabi fans.

The other is under investigation for their oversight of the briefing document and an alleged lack of balance towards the Israeli supporters.

(c) Sky News 2026: Ex-West Midlands Police chief investigated over decision to ban Israeli fans from Aston Vi