The chief constable of West Midlands Police has issued a formal apology to MPs after admitting he gave incorrect evidence regarding the controversial decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a football match.
Apology for Misleading Evidence
Chief Constable Craig Guildford wrote to the Home Affairs Committee to express his "profound apology" for the mistake. This follows two appearances before the committee to explain the force's role in the ban on supporters of the Israeli team attending a Europa League match against Aston Villa on 6 November.
In his letter to committee chair Dame Karen Bradley, Mr Guildford corrected a key point of evidence. He and Assistant Chief Constable Mike O'Hara had previously stated that wrong intelligence about a non-existent match between West Ham United and Maccabi Tel Aviv was found via a Google search.
He has now clarified that this "erroneous result" actually came from using the artificial intelligence tool Microsoft Co Pilot.
Mounting Pressure and Political Fallout
The police chief is facing growing calls to resign over the handling of the ban. The decision was made by the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which relied on police advice citing safety concerns.
The flawed intelligence, which referenced a match that never occurred, sparked significant political outrage. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was among those who criticised the move. Mr Guildford has insisted the decision was not politically motivated.
The error is particularly acute given that during a select committee hearing on 6 January, MPs directly asked Mr Guildford if AI had been used. He replied: "We don't do that. We don't use the AI."
Home Secretary Orders Investigation
The controversy has prompted a formal investigation. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood ordered His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services to examine the case.
She is due to make a statement to MPs on Wednesday 14 January 2026 after receiving the findings from chief inspector Sir Andy Cooke. A report by The Guardian suggests the inspection will conclude that West Midlands Police made a series of errors in how it gathered and handled intelligence.
The power to ultimately dismiss Mr Guildford rests with West Midlands police and crime commissioner Simon Foster, who has pledged to formally review all evidence concerning the ban.
