A senior police officer has admitted he destroyed the original notes from a key meeting that led to the controversial ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a match in Birmingham last year. The revelation comes as the force's Chief Constable, Craig Guildford, retires with a full pension following intense political pressure.
Destroyed Notes and False Intelligence
Chief Inspector Mick Wilkinson, the sole West Midlands Police (WMP) representative at a virtual meeting with Dutch officials on October 1, 2025, has been accused of mishandling crucial intelligence. The meeting was described as a 'tipping point' in the decision to ban the Israeli club's supporters from an Aston Villa Europa League fixture on November 6, 2025.
During the meeting, Dutch police shared what was termed 'really important' information about alleged violence and disorder after a match in Amsterdam in November 2024. However, Chief Inspector Wilkinson did not take formal minutes. Instead, over a week later, he sent an email containing a transcription of the only note he had taken. This correspondence included since-debunked claims, such as Israelis throwing individuals into a canal.
Critically, on the same day Birmingham City Council requested more evidence from WMP, admitting a 'clearer rationale' was needed, Wilkinson's email was sent. An official report by the police inspectorate later confirmed that after writing the message, Wilkinson 'disposed' of the original handwritten note.
A Catalogue of Failings and Lost Confidence
His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Andy Cooke, concluded the destruction of evidence made it impossible to determine 'exactly what the Dutch police said'. Sir Andy told The Times: 'We weren't provided with any evidence that WMP officers had made contemporaneous notes in relation to a number of key documents. Instead, they made records a considerable time after the event to which they related.'
The scandal led to immense pressure on Chief Constable Craig Guildford, who was accused of misleading MPs and the public over the fan ban. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated she had lost confidence in him last Wednesday. However, the police and crime commissioner for the West Midlands, Simon Foster, who alone held the power to dismiss him, declined to do so.
Facing a mauling in the Commons and calls to resign from MPs, councillors, and community leaders, Guildford initially attempted to cling to his post. He even issued an internal edict gagging officers from discussing his future, a move that backfired when the document was leaked. Ultimately, a statement from Downing Street confirming the Government 'no longer' had confidence in him forced his hand.
Retirement and Rebuilding Trust
On January 15, 2025, Guildford announced his immediate retirement. In a statement, the 52-year-old said the decision was in the best interests 'of the organisation, myself and my family', claiming the 'political and media frenzy' was damaging the force's work. Simon Foster stated the chief constable had acted 'with honour'.
Home Secretary Mahmood responded: 'By stepping down, Craig Guildford has done the right thing today... Today marks a crucial first step to rebuilding trust and confidence in the force.' Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green has been appointed as acting chief constable.
The fallout continues, with Gideon Falter, chief executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism, stating: 'Under Craig Guildford's leadership, West Midlands Police lied and obfuscated, victim-blaming Jews instead of taking on the Islamists.' He called for further leadership changes within the force.
