West Midlands Police has issued a public apology, acknowledging that "mistakes were made" in its controversial decision to prevent supporters of Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending a match at Aston Villa's Villa Park last November. However, the force has pointedly not commented on the future of its Chief Constable, Craig Guildford, who is facing intense pressure to resign.
Home Secretary Withdraws Confidence
The apology follows a damning statement in the House of Commons on Wednesday 14 January 2026 by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Ms Mahmood declared she had lost confidence in Chief Constable Guildford after reviewing a preliminary report from the policing watchdog, led by Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Andy Cooke.
The Home Secretary stated the report revealed evidence of "confirmation bias" and a "failure of leadership" within the force regarding the ban. "The ultimate responsibility for the force’s failure to discharge its duties on a matter of such national importance rests with the chief constable," Ms Mahmood told MPs, "and it is for that reason that I must declare today that the chief constable of West Midlands Police no longer has my confidence."
Mounting Pressure and Calls for Dismissal
In the wake of the Home Secretary's statement, calls for Mr Guildford to step down or be removed have grown louder. The Campaign Against Antisemitism and the Board of Deputies of British Jews have both demanded his dismissal. Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton also urged for the Chief Constable to stand down.
Despite this, the immediate power to sack Mr Guildford rests not with the Home Secretary but with the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, due to policing reforms enacted in 2011.
Force Apologises but Sidesteps Leadership Question
Responding to the watchdog's findings hours after the Home Secretary's statement, West Midlands Police offered a contrite apology but made no mention of Mr Guildford's position. The force stated it had received the preliminary review and acknowledged it "recognises the unintentional nature of our errors."
"We are extremely sorry for the impact these have had on individuals and their communities," the statement continued. "We are taking immediate action to address the matters raised... We know that mistakes were made but reiterate the findings that none of this was done with an intent of deliberate distortion or discrimination." The force pledged to work to "rebuild confidence."
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has so far declined to act immediately on calls for dismissal. He stated he had listened to the Home Secretary and would await a full parliamentary report before considering the Chief Constable's position. Mr Foster has scheduled a public meeting of his accountability board for Tuesday 27 January to question Mr Guildford on the matter, emphasising the need for due process.
