Police in Birmingham arrested 11 people during heated protests ahead of the politically charged Europa League fixture between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv. The arrests came as pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators clashed outside Villa Park, prompting one of the largest security operations in the city’s recent sporting history.
Heavy Police Presence as Political Tensions Spill Over
Ahead of Thursday night’s match, West Midlands Police (WMP) deployed more than 700 officers, supported by 25 additional police forces across the United Kingdom. Police horses, dogs, drones, and road units were used to maintain order around the stadium, as crowds gathered several hours before kickoff.
The game, which kicked off at 20:00 GMT, went ahead as scheduled, with Aston Villa winning 2-0 over the Israeli club. Despite the charged atmosphere, no major disruptions occurred inside the stadium, where attendance was notably low due to safety restrictions.
Details of the Arrests
In an official statement after the match, West Midlands Police confirmed that those arrested were men and boys aged between 17 and 67, mostly for racially aggravated public order offences.
Additional arrests included:
- A 21-year-old attempting to throw fireworks into the stadium.
- A suspect in possession of drugs with intent to supply.
- A 17-year-old who ignored a police dispersal order.
- Another individual who refused to remove a face covering when instructed.
“The majority of arrests were related to racially aggravated offences and behaviour that could have caused public alarm,” a WMP spokesperson said after the match.
Why Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Were Banned from Attending
The Safety Advisory Group in Birmingham, based on police intelligence, decided last month that Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters would not be permitted to attend the match. The ruling was reportedly linked to intelligence about potential hooliganism within sections of the Maccabi fan base, rather than security threats against Israeli fans.
Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce of West Midlands Police clarified the decision in an interview with Sky News:
“The ban was not primarily due to threats against Maccabi fans. Intelligence indicated that a section of Maccabi supporters engages in significant levels of hooliganism, which posed a safety risk.”
This rare move — banning an entire set of away supporters — drew mixed reactions from fans and human rights groups, though authorities defended it as a precautionary measure to prevent large-scale violence.
Quiet Atmosphere Inside Villa Park
Despite the intense scenes outside, the atmosphere inside Villa Park was subdued. Large portions of the stands were empty, and security staff maintained a visible presence around the pitch. Aston Villa’s 2-0 victory was overshadowed by the protests, which reflected wider political and social divisions beyond football.
Background: Rising Tensions Around Maccabi Tel Aviv Supporters
While Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv have no previous history of violent encounters, the Israeli club’s supporters have faced scrutiny across Europe in recent years.
During a Europa League match in Amsterdam last season, violent clashes erupted between Maccabi fans and local residents. Police in the Netherlands arrested over 60 people, with several injuries reported. Videos later surfaced showing Maccabi fans chanting anti-Arab slogans and burning Palestinian flags before the game. The Mayor of Amsterdam subsequently announced she would no longer host Maccabi matches in the city.
Football analyst Nicholas Blincoe told Al Jazeera that the growing unrest linked to the Israeli club mirrors a broader pattern:
“These [Maccabi] ultras have become increasingly right-wing, nationalist, and explicitly racist. That’s what makes games involving them politically sensitive and potentially volatile.”
Wider Context: Football and the Gaza Conflict
The unrest around this match reflects how the Israel-Gaza war continues to influence European football. Protests calling for UEFA to suspend Israeli teams have intensified across the continent, with several scholars and advocacy groups urging a ban on Israeli participation in international tournaments.
Thursday’s events in Birmingham underline how football stadiums have become stages for political expression, as supporters use matches to voice solidarity or opposition in conflicts far beyond the pitch.
Key Takeaways
- 11 people arrested for racially aggravated and public order offences.
- 700 police officers deployed across Birmingham.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv fans banned due to security concerns.
- Aston Villa won 2-0 in a match played under tight surveillance.
- Protests reflect ongoing tensions linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
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