Controversial Ban Leads to Retirement of West Midlands Police Chief

West Midlands Police Chief Craig Guildford announced his retirement following criticism over a recommended ban on Israeli soccer fans attending a game in central England. The ban, linked to concerns of tension around antisemitic violence and Middle Eastern conflict, resulted in diplomatic disputes and calls for Guildford's resignation.

West Midlands Police Chief Craig Guildford announced his immediate retirement on Friday amid criticism over his force's handling of a controversial ban on Israeli soccer fans. The ban, imposed on fans of Israel's Maccabi club attending a match at Aston Villa, ignited diplomatic tensions.

The decision, made in the context of recent antisemitic violence in England and heightened Israeli-Palestinian conflict, drew condemnation from both British and Israeli officials. The Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster and Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood expressed a lack of confidence in Guildford's leadership following a damning report by the police watchdog.

Despite the ban, the November game took place without major incidents but saw 11 arrests outside the stadium involving pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators. Jewish community leaders accused the police of mismanagement, further eroding public trust.

(With inputs from agencies.)