Heavy Police Presence in Birmingham as Aston Villa Host Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv
British police have deployed a major security operation involving around 700 officers ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League clash between Aston Villa and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv, amid heightened tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Authorities have warned of “significant disruption” in Birmingham city centre and around Villa Park as pro-Palestinian and potential counter-protest groups prepared to demonstrate. West Midlands Police confirmed an extensive policing plan had been put in place to ensure public safety.
“We know protests by different groups will take place on the day, and we have plans in place which balance the right to protest with our duty to protect all communities in Birmingham,” said Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce. “People not attending the event should expect road closures and delays in the area during the evening.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv had initially been allocated away tickets but chose not to take them up after police advised Aston Villa to block visiting fans, citing safety concerns. The Israeli club later confirmed it would not send supporters to Birmingham, describing the atmosphere as “toxic.”
The decision followed government criticism of the fan ban, but Maccabi opted to prioritise safety. The match comes against a backdrop of rising antisemitic incidents across the UK, including a fatal attack at a synagogue last month.
Concerns about crowd violence stem in part from previous trouble involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans. Last November, over 60 arrests were made in Amsterdam after violent clashes before and after their match against Ajax. Police reported that anti-Israeli gangs targeted Maccabi fans, while verified videos also showed Israeli supporters chanting anti-Arab slogans and burning a Palestinian flag.
Given these precedents, local authorities in Birmingham are taking no chances as they attempt to balance public order, free expression, and fan safety around Thursday’s Europa League encounter.
