Hundreds Protest Outside Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Match in Birmingham
Eleven arrested as hundreds of pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators face off outside Villa Park under heavy police presence
- Over 700 officers deployed to manage protests at the Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Europa League match.
- Eleven people detained for offences including racial abuse, fireworks possession, and drug-related crimes.
- Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups demonstrated outside Villa Park, though the match went ahead under tight security.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Villa Park in Birmingham ahead of the Europa League clash between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv, prompting a major police operation that led to 11 arrests.
More than 700 police officers were deployed to manage demonstrations surrounding the controversial fixture, which took place without away fans due to heightened security concerns.
Large groups of pro-Palestinian protesters waved flags and chanted outside the stadium, while a smaller contingent of pro-Israeli supporters marched nearby. Officers formed a heavy security cordon to prevent clashes as tensions flared before kickoff.
Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce said the unprecedented police presence was necessary given the multiple protests and counter-protests arranged in advance.
“We police football matches and protests regularly, but the level of interest and concern around this match is quite extraordinary,” he noted.
Among those detained were five individuals arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offences. Another 21-year-old man was held for allegedly attempting to throw fireworks into the stadium, while one person was arrested for drug-related offences. A 17-year-old boy was also detained for failing to comply with a dispersal order.
Police reported minor scuffles shortly before the 20:00 GMT kickoff as fans entered the ground amid ongoing demonstrations. Despite the tension, the match proceeded under tight security without major disruption.
