Team GB hockey coach who was part of armed police squad that shot dead Jean Charles de Menezes to miss Rio Olympics
AN Olympic hockey chief is missing the Rio Games over safety fears because he was in the cop squad that killed Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes.
GB hockey team manager Andy Halliday has been told not to go because of “sensitivities”.
Shot dead … Mr de Menezes was gunned down by cops who suspected he was a terrorist
He and other Metropolitan Police firearms officers entered Stockwell Tube station, South London, in July 2005 to catch Mr de Menezes over mistaken fears he was a terrorist.
Gaffer … Andy Halliday left the force to become hockey coach
The innocent man, 27, was shot by cops on board a Tube two weeks after the 7/7 terror attacks.
He had come to London to work as an electrician.
Justice … Campaigners have been calling for prosecutions over Mr de Menezes’ killing
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Ex-firearms officer Mr Halliday said: “While I am disappointed not to be going to the Olympic Games, I have known of this decision since last November and respect the process that has been followed.
“The performance interests of the team continue to be of paramount importance and I am focused purely on helping the team prepare for Rio 2016.”
No coach … Team GB women’s hockey team competing in London 2012 games
Brazil had not flagged up any problem with him attending in August but the decision was made by the British Olympic Association and GB Hockey as a precaution.
Sally Munday, of GB Hockey, stressed he would still be involved in the build-up.
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