Six Arrested As Aston Villa Beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-0 During 'High-Risk' Europa League Match

UK police arrested six individuals during a high-risk football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa in Birmingham on Thursday. Despite heavy security measures, the event proceeded largely peacefully. Over 700 police officers were deployed across the city in central England as pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrators held separate protests outside Villa Park stadium before the match began. Last month, Villa announced that Maccabi fans would not be permitted at the UEFA Europa League game following a police risk assessment. This decision drew criticism, including from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who attempted to reverse the move. However, the Israeli club later stated it would decline tickets for its fans due to safety concerns. Around 200 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the stadium’s Trinity Road stand, chanting “Free Palestine” and displaying banners advocating for a boycott of Israel and its exclusion from international football. Meanwhile, a smaller group of pro-Israel protesters stood on the opposite side of the stadium, waving Israeli flags and holding posters with messages such as “Keep anti-Semitism out of football” before being escorted away by police. Maccabi fan Itai Gal expressed disappointment to AFP, stating that their only intention was to celebrate their team’s presence in English football, and lamented the lost opportunity. Birmingham, a city with a significant Muslim population, has witnessed regular pro-Palestinian rallies over the past two years. Police classified Thursday’s fixture as “high risk,” referencing violent clashes and hate crime offences during a Europa League match between Maccabi and Ajax in Amsterdam last November. That incident led to two days of confrontations between locals and Israeli fans in the Dutch city. AFP observed a significant police presence outside Villa Park, with officers wearing protective gear and riot helmets, and police horses deployed. West Midlands Police stated they have experience managing high-profile football matches and demonstrations and had been working closely with various faith and community groups to address their concerns. Signs near the stadium read “No War Games Allowed” and “Give Zionism the Red Card,” while far-right activist Tommy Robinson’s channels made Islamophobic statements about the match and planned protests. One school near the stadium closed early to avoid disruption, with others reportedly considering similar actions. Robert Hussain, a local mosque volunteer, expressed anxiety before the game. West Midlands Police, supported by 25 other forces, reported that those arrested faced charges ranging from racial aggravation to failing to comply with a dispersal order. Villa did not sell tickets for their own fans in the away end of their stadium, leaving that section vacant throughout the match, which the home side won 2-0. Elizabeth, a Villa season ticket holder, expressed understanding of the decision to bar Maccabi fans but felt it was unfortunate, emphasizing that football should be inclusive regardless of faith or race. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s decision to decline tickets followed police cancellation of an Israeli Premier League match against city rivals Hapoel due to “riots” between rival fans. The team asserted that its supporters were not involved in the unrest and condemned the “hate-filled falsehoods” creating a “toxic atmosphere.” Ayoub Khan, the independent MP for the Birmingham area covering Villa Park, noted the local concentration of Muslims and their concerns about racism. Aston Villa requested that supporters refrain from displaying political symbols during the match, adhering to UEFA’s protocols. With AFP Inputs