The former West Midlands force Chief who banned Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a match has been referred to the police watchdog.
Craig Guildford, 52, retired with a full pension on Friday after finally giving in to mounting calls to quit.
He had been facing immense pressure to leave his post for misleading MPs and the public over the decision to bar supporters of the Israeli side from a European game against Aston Villa.
Mr Guildford has now been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for a misconduct hearing by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster.
In a statement, Mr 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.
Pictured: Chief Constable of West Midlands Police Craig Guildford giving evidence to the Home Affairs Committee on the ban on football fans attending a match
Pictured: There was a heavy police presence outside Villa Park before the match
‘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.’
On January 27, he will host an accountability and governance board to consider a public report from West Midlands Police and ask the force questions.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she had lost confidence in Mr Guildford on Wednesday but Mr Foster had declined to sack him.
Two days later he confirmed Mr Guildford’s departure in a statement outside police headquarters in Birmingham, before refusing to answer questions.
Ms Mahmood responded to Mr Guilford’s retirement saying the police chief had ‘done the right thing’.
She said: ‘The findings of the Chief Inspector were damning. They set out a catalogue of failings that have harmed trust in West Midlands Police.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she had lost confidence in Mr Guildford on Wednesday but the police and crime commissioner declined to sack him
‘By stepping down, Craig Guildford has done the right thing today.
‘I would like to acknowledge his years of service. And I pay tribute to the work of the officers in West Midlands Police, who keep their community safe every day.
‘Today marks a crucial first step to rebuilding trust and confidence in the force amongst all the communities they serve.’
Scott Green, the acting Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, has given a ‘full and sincere apology’ on behalf of the force for the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans from attending a match against Aston Villa last November.
In a statement issued on his first full day in the role, Mr Green said: ‘I want to start with a full and sincere apology from me on behalf of West Midlands Police.
‘The failings identified by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary (HMICFRS), in his update letter to the Home Secretary in relation to our planning, policing and subsequent response to the Aston Villa versus Maccabi Tel Aviv, are damning.
‘A direct impact of our actions has been a loss of trust and confidence from the public of the West Midlands and more broadly.
‘More specifically, I know we have damaged our relationship with individuals and Jewish communities – locally, nationally, and internationally.
‘We have damaged our relationship with communities and many others are feeling disappointed in their police force.
‘Our response to criticisms of the force, and our reaction to the Home Secretary’s statement to Parliament on Wednesday was too defensive and not acceptable. I reiterate again my unreserved apology for the damage that we have caused.’
Gideon Falter, chief executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism said: ‘Under Craig Guildford’s leadership, West Midlands Police lied and obfuscated, victim-blaming Jews instead of taking on the Islamists.
‘His retirement, after the pitiful failure of West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster to sack him, should result in the resignation of Mr Foster as well.
‘In any case, Mr Guildford’s must not be the last departure from among the force’s leadership, and obviously he cannot be replaced by another senior figure implicated in the same scandal.’
In a statement released on the West Midlands Police website, Mr Guilford said: ‘I have come to the conclusion that the political and media frenzy around myself and my position has become detrimental to all the great work undertaken by my officers and staff in serving communities across the West Midlands.
‘I have carefully considered my position and concluded that retirement is in the best interests of the organisation, myself and my family.
‘It has been the honour of my career serving as the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police.
‘With the force’s dedicated and hard-working workforce, together we have turned this force around. I therefore want to take this opportunity to recognise the outstanding level of service that this force provides to the public.
‘I know this will continue, thanks to all of the officers, staff and volunteers who work for WMP who all strive to keep the public safe.
‘I would also like to thank all of the communities of the West Midlands for your support. I will greatly miss the incredible people I have had the privilege to meet, work with and serve across the region.’
