Ex-chief constable referred to police watchdog

The former chief constable of West Midlands Police, Craig Guildford, has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Guildford retired on Friday after losing the confidence of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood following a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a match with Aston Villa.

He faced numerous calls to resign after admitting providing incorrect evidence to MPs, which included the denial that AI was used in preparing a report which led to banning the Israeli club's fans.

Guildford is understood to have been referred to the IOPC for possible gross misconduct by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster.

In a statement released on Monday, Foster addressed the controversy regarding the Maccabi Tel Aviv ban and the road to Guildford's eventual resignation.

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

"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."

The commissioner has also faced calls to resign over his decision not to sack Guildford.

Before Monday's announcement, Stephen Silverman, from the Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: "The police and crime commissioner prevaricated, procrastinated, refused to get rid of Mr Guildford when it was quite clear that that was the only route possible.

The campaign's chief executive, Gideon Falter, added the decision was a "pitiful failure" from Foster.

Announcing his retirement on Friday, Guildford, 52, did not offer an apology and blamed what he described as the "political and media frenzy" for his decision to step down.

"I have carefully considered my position and concluded that retirement is in the best interests of the organisation, myself and my family," he said.

"It has been the honour of my career serving as the chief constable of West Midlands Police."