Overview
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct invoked its power of initiative to investigate West Midlands Police over advice that led to banning Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from a November match at Villa Park.
- Investigators will examine the briefing to the Safety Advisory Group, who prepared it, how information was obtained, what checks were applied, record‑keeping, and assertions about community consultation.
- West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster made a voluntary referral to the IOPC, acknowledging a significant impact on public confidence, while facing criticism for not dismissing the chief constable earlier.
- An HMICFRS review found confirmation bias and eight inaccuracies in the force’s report, including an AI‑generated reference to a non‑existent match, and reported no evidence of antisemitic motivation but noted an imbalance in consulted perspectives.
- Chief Constable Craig Guildford retired after the home secretary said she had lost confidence; acting Chief Constable Scott Green issued an unreserved apology as further scrutiny is expected at a PCC session on January 27 and from a Home Affairs Committee report.