Tight Security in Birmingham Ahead of Maccabi Tel Aviv Match
Over 700 police officers were stationed across Birmingham on Thursday as protests coincided with the Europa League game between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa. The heightened security followed controversies surrounding attendance restrictions for Israeli fans.
Ban and Reversal Attempt
The UK government had vowed last month to overturn a local decision barring Maccabi supporters from attending the match at Villa Park. The restriction was originally imposed by safety advisors and police, drawing strong criticism from various groups.
Decision by Maccabi Tel Aviv
Despite the government’s pledge, Maccabi Tel Aviv later announced it would not take up any away tickets, citing serious security concerns. Aston Villa confirmed that tickets for the away section would not be sold.
Scheduled Demonstrations
Birmingham, known for its large Muslim community, has seen frequent pro-Palestinian rallies over the past two years. On Thursday, local police prepared for multiple demonstrations near the stadium.
- A pro-Palestinian march demanding Israel’s exclusion from international football.
- A counter-demonstration, the Maccabi Solidarity Rally, organized by a pro-Israeli group.
Both protests were scheduled to begin around 6:00 p.m. local time (1800 GMT), two hours before kickoff, under a heavy police presence.
“Local police confirmed the deployment of more than 700 officers and emphasized the priority of public safety.”
Author’s Summary
Heightened security and opposing rallies turned Birmingham’s Europa League clash into a focal point of political tension and major logistical planning.