Ex UK police chief, three others investigated over handling of Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Aston Villa

A former British police chief and three other officers are under investigation for misconduct following a decision to ban Israeli soccer fans from attending a match at Aston Villa last November, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The West Midlands Police, which handles policing in Birmingham, England, recommended the ban due to security concerns.

The ban was met with condemnation from both the British and Israeli governments, as well as Jewish community leaders who accused the police force of misrepresenting intelligence and damaging public trust. The game proceeded without the Israeli fans, though there were no major disruptions. Eleven arrests were made when pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators gathered outside the stadium.

Chief Constable Craig Guildford, who led the West Midlands Police, announced his resignation in January after the interior minister lost confidence in him and a report found several mistakes by his force. The IOPC has now launched an investigation into Guildford and another police staff member for gross misconduct, as well as three other officers for less serious misconduct.

The IOPC has reviewed a significant amount of evidence and believes there is a possibility that some individuals within the police force may have behaved in a way that could warrant disciplinary action. IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell stated that the initial ban was based on current intelligence and past incidents. However, an independent inquiry found that the force had exaggerated the threat posed by Israeli fans, relied on inaccurate intelligence, and missed opportunities to engage with the local Jewish community.