Now Ghaffur sues deputy in charge of 2012 policing

Richard Bryan, who is director of operations for Olympic security, is being accused of racism by Met Assistant Commissioner Ghaffur in a discrimination case lodged on Friday.

Mr Ghaffur, the Met's most senior Asian policeman, alleges that Mr Bryan made "thinly veiled" racist comments towards him and deliberately undermined his position. He is also suing Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair.

Mr Ghaffur claims Mr Bryan told him "I can't understand what you are saying" and said he had to "calibrate" his reports so staff were able to understand them.

The case also suggests that planning for the Games' policing - overseen by Mr Ghaffur - has been marred by plotting among senior Scotland Yard figures and the Home Office, creating a " degrading and humiliating" environment.

He says he was treated differently to white officers and claims that the three other Asian officers working on the Olympics command have been told their contracts would not be continued.

He claims documents were kept from him by Mr Bryan and Whitehall officials, that he was not made aware of key meetings and his opinions were ignored by Sir Ian.

Mr Ghaffur, who earns £180,000 a year, is continuing to work alongside his deputy and reports three times a week to Sir Ian for "cabinet" meetings.

A spokesman for the Met said they would "robustly defend" themselves at the expected employment tribunal next year.