Former police chief being investigated for gross misconduct over Israeli fan ban

The UK police watchdog is investigating Craig Guildford, the former chief constable of West Midlands Police, along with three officers and a staff member, over allegations of gross misconduct tied to banning Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from a Europa League match against Aston Villa. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the investigation was announced Wednesday and relates to the decision made in November before the fixture on Nov. 6. The Athletic previously reported WMP requested restrictions on ticket purchases, later citing “current intelligence” and prior violent incidents and hate crime offences involving Ajax and Maccabi in Amsterdam. A UKFPU risk score of 77 was assigned, and the UK government pledged to seek a reversal. Guildford retired in January after the home secretary said she lacked confidence in him during the inquiry.