A former West Midlands Police chief constable and three other officers are being investigated by a watchdog over the Maccabi Tel Aviv supporter ban row.
Supporters from the Israeli club were barred from travelling to a Europa League game against Aston Villa at Villa Park in November.
Fans were banned over safety concerns after an inaccurate report prepared by West Midlands Police.
Multiple errors were found in the report, including a reference to a non-existent game between Maccabi and West Ham, said to have been produced by Microsoft Copilot.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said on Wednesday that ex-West Midlands Police chief Craig Guildford will be investigated for gross misconduct over claims he failed to ensure due diligence over the document.
Another officer and staff member are also facing investigation for potential gross misconduct over the mistakes, along with two other officers who helped the force plan for the game who face accusations of potential misconduct.
Under pressure to resign from his role as chief constable, Mr Guildford announced he was retiring after facing what he called a “political and media frenzy”.
The IOPC said investigators have gone through operational documents, reports, intelligence research, minutes of meetings, emails and other messages, as well as interviewing witnesses and experts.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford announced his early retirement after the Maccabi fan ban scandal
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PAIt is claimed there is evidence Mr Guildford had oversight of the inaccurate intelligence briefing document that was presented to Birmingham Safety Advisory Group and formed a key part in the decisions leading to the ban.
Another senior serving officer is also under investigation for failing to ensure it was accurate, as well as a staff member who sourced the inaccurate information using AI.
Of the two other senior serving officers under investigation, one is accused of not properly balancing operational needs with engaging with local Jewish communities, and lacking impartiality forwards Maccabi fans.
The other is under investigation for their oversight of the briefing document and a lack of balance towards the Israeli fans.
Maccabi Tel Aviv were beaten by Aston Villa in November
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REUTERSIOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell, said: “Our investigation to date has been to assess whether there is an indication anyone may have breached one or more of the standards of police professional behaviour.
“We have examined a wealth of material, hundreds of pieces of evidence, and believe there is an indication some people serving with the police may potentially have behaved in a manner that could justify disciplinary proceedings.
“They have been informed their conduct will be investigated.
“At the end of our investigation, we will decide if anyone has a case to answer and should face a misconduct meeting or hearing.”
Protests were held outside the ground before the match
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GETTYPro-Palestine protests were held outside the stadium
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PA
Before the match in November, around 200 protesters gathered near Villa Park’s Trinity Road stand to demand Israel is banned from international football.
Meanwhile, around 40 protesters, one carrying an Israeli flag, and others carrying posters saying “keep antisemitism out of football” gathered on a basketball court near the Doug Ellis Stand.
Founder of Christian Action Against Antisemitism Revd Tim Gutmann told the crowd his protest was against “an ancient hate and an ancient evil that hasn’t stopped, and has again risen in our time”.
The match eventually went ahead without Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in the stands, with Aston Villa beating the Israeli side 2-0.