Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv: Police on high alert as Israeli fans banned from Europa League tie
As-salāmu ʿalaykum - More than 700 police officers will be on duty for Thursday’s Europa League fixture between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv, with planned protests expected close to the stadium.
Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group announced in October that visiting supporters would be barred from attending the Villa Park match because of public safety concerns. Maccabi then said they would decline any away tickets after the UK government said it was “working around the clock” to try to allow fans from both sides to attend. The Prime Minister urged the ban to be reversed, calling it “the wrong decision.”
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign has said it will stage a protest at the match to call for Israel’s exclusion from international football. The demonstration is due to gather at 6pm local time a short distance from Villa Park. The organisers claim that Israeli football bodies are complicit in the occupation and have criticised certain clubs and actions they associate with the Israeli military.
A large security operation will include police horses, dogs and a drone unit, with over 700 officers deployed. West Midlands Police also said it would use Section 60 powers, allowing stop-and-search without the usual requirement for reasonable grounds.
Some local schools are reported to be closing early as a precaution. Birmingham police commander Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce said the force has been engaging with communities and stressed their commitment to keeping the city safe and welcoming. “Anyone who breaks the law will be dealt with directly, as will those who incite hate,” he said.
Maccabi Tel Aviv manager Zarko Lazetic said he was disappointed his supporters had been banned but avoided making inflammatory comments. He asked that attention remain on the football and noted it would have been preferable for his side to have their allocation of around 2,000 travelling fans inside Villa Park. “On the pitch it is 11 against 11 and we will try to do our best,” he said.
Aston Villa supporters have been warned not to display political images or flags in line with UEFA rules on what is permitted inside the stadium, on what is expected to be a highly charged night.
At Villa’s pre-match press conference, journalists were asked to avoid non-football questions. Manager Unai Emery focused on the competition and the match, saying he respects the Europa League and Maccabi Tel Aviv and that the team’s objective is to progress as far as possible while enjoying their route through the tournament.
May everyone remain safe - please pray for peace and for the safety of all involved.
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