Police apologise after innocent man thrown to the ground in ISIS false alarm

Ohio police have apologised to a United Arab Emirates man who was wrongfully pinned to the ground and handcuffed after a false telephone tip-off.

A hotel employee's sister called police claiming that UAE businessman Ahmed al-Menhali had pledged allegiance to ISIS at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Avon, Ohio.

He was actually visiting the United States to receive treatment for several medical conditions in Cleveland.

Police body camera vision showed officers charging at Mr al-Menhali, who was dressed in traditional clothing.

Officers approached al-Menhali with guns drawn, according a police statement.

"The male did not in fact make any statements related to ISIS," the statement said.

"It was evident to the responding officers that there was a clear miscommunication between the desk clerk and her relatives."

The businessman was subsequently hospitalised with minor injuries after suffering a “light stroke”.

The arrest has become an international incident, with the UAE summoning a senior American diplomat to protest against the "abusive treatment" of Ahmed al-Menhali.

The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called for an apology from Avon officials and advised its citizens against wearing the national attire abroad.

Avon officials have now apologised to Mr al-Menhali at a meeting at the Cleveland office of The Council on American-Islamic Relations.

Mr al-Menhali has welcomed the apology, but has said police should use the incident as a teachable moment for cross-cultural encounters.

The woman who made the false claim may still face criminal charges.