Sectarianism, politics and spin: Chief Constable's departure is the result of a very 21st century controversy

“I have come to the conclusion that the political and media frenzy around myself and my position has become detrimental to all the great work undertaken by my officers and staff in serving communities across the West Midlands," he said. 

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It could be said that his inevitable departure brings to an end a story which has shone a rather unflattering light on modern-day policing., with its focus on political pressures and attempts at media management.

The story began at the end of October, when it was announced that supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv football club would be banned from attending their Europa League tie with Aston Villa. The decision was supposedly based on 'intelligence' that the Israeli fans posed a threat to public order, sparking an immediate outrage from Jewish groups across the country. 

The game went ahead without Israeli fans and without incident, but public anger did not go away. Concerns grew that the decision had been influenced by pressure from vocal pro-Palestinian MP Ayoub Khan, and reports that visiting fans could also be at risk from anti-Israeli militant groups in the area. 

Had Mr Guildford simply argued that public safety had to come first, regardless of who posed the threat, the worst of the controversy may have been avoided. Banning visiting supporters because of the threat posed by home-grown militants is a politically difficult argument to justify, but he could have made his case from a public order point of view, and leave the final decision to the politicians. 

But the force later admitted it did not publicly reveal other relevant information, such as the risk to Israeli fans from locals, in an effort to 'avoid increasing local community tension'.

Sir Andy Cooke, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, rule that the force had retrofitted 'exaggerated and untrue' evidence to justify the ban, made misleading public statements and failed to properly engage with the Jewish community.

He also found that West Midlands police did not properly consult the Jewish community and was guilty of 'confirmation bias', focusing on intelligence to support its desire for a ban rather than following the evidence.

Having read the report, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, a Muslim from Birmingham, said she had lost confidence in Mr Guildford's leadership. She said the most 'disquieting' parts of the report were 'exaggerated or simply untrue' claims about alleged violence by Maccabi fans in Amsterdam. It had exposed a 'failure of leadership that has harmed the reputation and eroded public confidence in West Midlands police and policing more broadly'.

This was the first time in more than 20 years that a home secretary had declared no confidence in a police chief. 

Former Dudley North MP Lord Austin, a prominent campaigner against antisemitism, was withering in his criticism of the affair. 

“Over the last few months, senior officers at West Midlands Police made up or exaggerated information to support a decision they had already made," he said.

“They capitulated to Islamist extremists, racists, sectarian politicians, hate preachers and even violent thugs who they knew were planning to arm themselves to attack Israelis. They hid that from the public and instead of arresting them, they blamed the Israelis.

“We have seen the same failure to confront extremists and racists on the hate marches that have taken over our cities over the last few years as well as the disgraceful protests we’ve seen outside synagogues.

“We need the Government and the police to take really serous action to stamp out the evil poison of anti-Jewish racism for good and they should start by clearing out anyone in West Midlands Police involved in this scandal.”

The spotlight is now falling on Mr Guildford's effective boss, West Midland police and crime commissioner Simon Foster. 

Simon Bennett, the Conservative leader on Wolverhampton Council, was quick to accuse Mr Foster of weak leadership in failing to sack Mr Guildford after Miss Mahmood's vote-of-no-confidence. 

Gideon Falter, chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, was much more withering in his criticism.

"His retirement, after the pitiful failure of West Midlands police and crime commissioner Simon Foster to sack him, should result in the resignation of Mr Foster as well," he said.

"The disgraceful conduct of Mr Guildford and Mr Foster shows who really rules the roost in local affairs in Birmingham."

One suspects the furore is far from over.