Tight UK Security Ahead of Football Match Featuring Israeli Club Maccabi Tel Aviv
More than 700 police officers were deployed across 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 fans attending the Europa League match held in Birmingham, a city with a large Muslim population, following criticism from local safety advisors and the police.
However, the Israeli club later announced it would decline any tickets offered to its supporters, citing safety concerns. Aston Villa confirmed they would not sell tickets for the away section at Villa Park stadium.
Protests and Security Measures
Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city, has seen frequent pro-Palestinian rallies over the past two years. Local police reported that multiple protests were scheduled near Villa Park on match day.
- A pro-Palestinian demonstration was planned, calling for Israel to be excluded from international football.
- A pro-Israeli group organized a Maccabi Solidarity Rally.
Both protests were set to begin around 6:00 pm (1800 GMT), approximately two hours before kick-off, under heavy police presence.
"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: Strong security measures and divided protests marked the Europa League match day in Birmingham, reflecting local tensions and safety concerns surrounding the presence of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv.