Tight UK Security Ahead of Match Featuring Israeli Club Maccabi Tel Aviv
More than 700 police officers were deployed in Birmingham on Thursday as protests were planned around a football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa. Visiting Israeli fans were barred from attending the game.
Last month, the UK government pledged to reverse the ban on Maccabi supporters attending the Europa League match in Birmingham, a city with a significant Muslim population, following widespread criticism of the decision by local safety advisers and police.
However, the Israeli club later announced it would not accept any tickets for its fans due to safety concerns. Aston Villa confirmed they were not selling tickets for the away section of Villa Park stadium.
Birmingham, the UK's second-largest city, has hosted regular pro-Palestinian rallies over the past two years. Local police reported that multiple protests were scheduled near Villa Park on match day.
Protests Planned
- A pro-Palestinian demonstration demanding Israel’s exclusion from international football.
- A pro-Israeli Maccabi Solidarity Rally.
Both protests were set to begin around 6:00 pm (1800 GMT) amid a heavy police presence, approximately two hours before the match kickoff.
"Protests by different groups were scheduled Thursday near Villa Park, including a pro-Palestinian demonstration demanding Israel be excluded from international football."
"A pro-Israeli group has also organized a Maccabi Solidarity Rally, with both protests set to kick off around 6:00 pm (1800 GMT) amid a heavy police presence."
Author's summary: Extensive police measures were implemented in Birmingham ahead of the Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Aston Villa match, reflecting the complex tensions and planned protests surrounding the event.