Ex-chief constable investigated after ban on Israeli football fans

A former chief constable is facing a formal investigation after allegedly directing officers to bar Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv football supporters from attending a fixture in England.

The alleged order has drawn sharp criticism from Jewish community groups and politicians, who have called the move discriminatory and potentially unlawful.

The investigation comes amid heightened tensions around Israeli sports teams travelling abroad following geopolitical developments in the Middle East.

Senior officers and oversight bodies have confirmed that an inquiry is underway to establish the facts and whether proper procedures were followed.

Civil liberties organisations have also weighed in, noting that any restriction on supporters based on national origin would require exceptional legal justification.