Police Face Investigation over Ban on Israeli Soccer Fans

The UK's Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into Craig Guildford, the former chief constable of West Midlands Police, and three other officers. The investigation stems from last year's decision to ban fans of the Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending a Europa League match against Aston Villa.

The decision by West Midlands Police drew sharp criticism from the British and Israeli governments, as well as from Jewish community leaders. Guildford took early retirement in January after losing the confidence of the home secretary.

The match took place without visiting fans, while both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators protested outside the stadium.

The investigation found that police relied on inaccurate intelligence, significantly overestimated the security threat posed by Israeli supporters and neglected to communicate with the local community. According to the IOPC, there is sufficient evidence of rule violations to warrant disciplinary proceedings against those responsible.

(Reuters, max)