The Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, Craig Guildford, is fighting for his job amid a growing scandal over the force's decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a Europa League match against Aston Villa last November. A damning parliamentary hearing revealed the decision may have been influenced by threats from local extremists rather than the behaviour of the Israeli club's supporters.
Revealed: Protesters' Plot to Target Israeli Team
Allegations have emerged that pro-Palestine activists plotted to spy on Maccabi Tel Aviv players ahead of the high-profile fixture at Villa Park. A message on a group chat linked to the West Midlands Palestine Solidarity Campaign reportedly urged activists to scour 'hotel lobbies and dining areas' for players the night before the game.
The message, seen by The Telegraph, suggested the match could be cancelled if the team was obstructed from attending. Activists were also asked to act as 'spotters' at the stadium to watch for the team coach and to follow players back to their hotels to mobilise protests. The campaign group stated the message was deleted and did not represent its official views.
Labour peer Lord Austin, who campaigns against anti-Semitism, said the message was 'further proof' of threats to the Israeli team that police had ignored.
Police Accused of Capitulating to Extremist Threats
The decision to bar all travelling fans was taken by the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) based on advice from West Midlands Police. However, evidence given to the Home Affairs Committee (HAC) last week painted a different picture.
MPs heard that police intelligence from September 5 – almost two months before the November 6 match – referenced 'elements of the community in West Midlands wanting to 'arm' themselves'. The initial safety concern was reportedly prompted not by Maccabi fans' conduct but by this 'high confidence intelligence' about local vigilante groups.
Following the hearing, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused the force of capitulating to 'Islamists', stating on X: 'They knew extremists were planning to attack Jews for going to a football match, and their response was to blame and remove Jewish people instead.'
Chief Constable's Position 'On the Chopping Block'
The fallout has placed immense pressure on Chief Constable Craig Guildford, appointed in 2022. Suky Samra, the Tory councillor who chairs the West Midlands Police and Crime Panel, warned that Mr Guildford's head could be 'on the chopping block'.
Mr Samra, who chaired the panel that endorsed Mr Guildford's appointment, has organised an emergency meeting 'to discuss the way forward'. He stated that while the panel cannot sack the chief constable, Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster holds that power.
'If this decision was made not on the basis of the evidence, then it puts Mr Guildford and his senior colleagues in a difficult position,' Mr Samra said. He warned that if an imminent report by the police inspectorate finds the force was swayed by 'pressure from community leaders', it was 'not just (Mr Guildford's) head on the chopping block' – a reference to Assistant Chief Constable Mike O'Hara and Chief Inspector Mick Wilkinson who also gave evidence.
Sir Andy Cooke, His Majesty's chief inspector of constabulary, is expected to present his findings to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood this week. While she cannot directly sack Mr Guildford, she can publicly withdraw confidence and instruct the Police and Crime Commissioner to consider suspension and dismissal.
West Midlands Police maintains it recommended the ban on safety grounds based on evidence of previous behaviour by Maccabi supporters. The force and Mr Guildford have been contacted for comment.
