Retired chief constable referred to police watchdog over Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban

Retired chief constable Craig Guildford has been referred to the police watchdog by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster over the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans from attending a match against Aston Villa last November.

Guildford, 52, stepped down as the head of the force last Friday, following mounting pressure for him to quit over the controversy.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she had lost confidence in the senior police boss after a “damning” watchdog review showed “confirmation bias” and a “failure of leadership” in West Midlands Police on Wednesday.

Speaking on Monday afternoon, Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “This morning I met with Acting Chief Constable (Scott) Green and Acting Deputy Chief Constable (Jen) Mattinson. I received assurances that there will be an effective and efficient operational transition following the retirement of the former chief constable. The force’s priority will continue to be preventing and tackling crime and keeping the people of the West Midlands safe and secure.

“I welcome today’s statement from West Midlands Police. I want to ensure the force takes comprehensive and immediate action to rebuild the trust and confidence of all our communities across the West Midlands.

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

“Continuing to hold the force to account for its actions, arising from the ban on away supporters from attending the football match on 6 November remains a top priority. At my accountability and governance board next Tuesday 27 January, I will be considering in public, a report I have requested from West Midlands Police, and putting questions to the force. I also await the publication of the Home Affairs committee report into these matters.

“I acknowledge the continuing and understandable public interest. I will continue to hold West Midlands Police to account. That is absolute, unconditional and non-negotiable.”