A large-scale police operation was mounted in Birmingham as hundreds of protesters demonstrated outside Villa Park during the controversial Europa League match between Aston Villa and Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Extensive Security Deployment
More than 700 police officers were deployed across the city to manage the protests and ensure safety, reflecting what authorities described as an unprecedented level of concern surrounding the fixture.
- The demonstrations involved a large number of pro-Palestinian supporters who waved banners and flags outside the stadium.
- A smaller group of pro-Israeli campaigners also marched toward the ground.
- The high security was deemed necessary after several groups organized protests and counter-protests ahead of the game, according to Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce.
Ch Supt Joyce noted that while they frequently police matches and protests, the level of interest and concern around this specific game was “pretty unprecedented.” Minor scuffles were reported shortly before the 20:00 GMT kick-off as fans navigated the demonstrations to enter the ground.
Eleven Arrests Made
The police operation resulted in eleven arrests related to various public order and criminal offenses:
- Five individuals were arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offences.
- A 21-year-old man was arrested for allegedly attempting to throw fireworks into the stadium.
- One person was arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply.
- A 21-year-old was arrested for failing to comply with an order to remove a face mask.
- A 17-year-old boy was arrested for failing to comply with a dispersal order.
- One additional person was arrested for a breach of the peace.
The match went ahead despite the tensions, which followed an earlier decision to ban away fans from attending the fixture.
