Hundreds of protesters at Villa-Maccabi match

Mass Protests and Arrests Mark Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Match

In Birmingham, a significant police operation was mounted as hundreds gathered to protest the contentious Europa League fixture between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv. The event saw 11 individuals arrested amid heightened tensions and a large-scale security presence.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators assembled outside Villa Park, brandishing flags and banners calling for an end to violence in Gaza. Meanwhile, a smaller contingent of pro-Israeli supporters marched nearby, following the club’s decision to prohibit away fans from attending the match.

Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce explained that the extensive police deployment was essential due to multiple groups planning both protests and counter-protests, creating a complex public order challenge.

Unprecedented Security Measures and Arrests

“While policing football matches and protests is routine, the scale of concern surrounding this fixture was exceptional,” said Ch Supt Joyce. The arrests included five individuals suspected of racially aggravated public order offenses.

Among those detained were two men, aged 34 and 29, accused of directing abuse at pro-Israel demonstrators, and a 32-year-old man arrested for similar behavior towards pro-Palestinian protesters. Additional arrests involved a 63-year-old man linked to racist abuse during a road rage incident near the stadium, and a 67-year-old man for racially abusing a police officer.

Other charges included drug-related offenses, breach of peace, and failure to comply with dispersal orders. A 17-year-old boy was held for ignoring a dispersal directive, and a 21-year-old man was arrested for refusing to remove a face covering. Notably, another 21-year-old was taken into custody for allegedly attempting to throw fireworks into the stadium grounds.

Minor altercations occurred shortly before kickoff at 20:00 GMT as the last groups of fans entered the stadium amid ongoing demonstrations.

Demonstrations Reflect Deep Divisions

Outside the stadium, pro-Palestinian supporters called for peace in Gaza, waving flags and placards. In contrast, pro-Israeli campaigners marched along a nearby road, accompanied by five flatbed trucks displaying electronic billboards condemning antisemitism. One billboard, featuring a Star of David, urged “Ban hatred not fans,” while another quoted football legend Thierry Henry emphasizing that football’s true purpose is to unite people, not just score goals.

Coordinated Police Efforts and Preventative Actions

On the day of the match, West Midlands Police were reinforced by officers from ten other forces nationwide. Ch Supt Joyce highlighted that preparations accounted for the possibility of violent confrontations, citing “significant hooliganism” within the Maccabi Tel Aviv fan base as the rationale behind the ban on away supporters.

Authorities invoked Section 60 powers, permitting stop-and-search operations across a wide area encompassing Aston, Perry Barr, Birmingham New Street, and the city center. These measures were in effect from noon on Thursday until 3 a.m. the following day.

Voices from the Fans: Unity Amidst Division

Adam Selway, a 48-year-old Aston Villa supporter, attended the match wearing a scarf combining the colors of both Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv. He expressed empathy for fans barred from attending and emphasized that his presence was about football, not politics.

“This isn’t a political statement,” Selway said. “Villa fans want away supporters here; it’s about the love of the game.”

Meanwhile, local residents and businesses near Villa Park adjusted their schedules, with shops and schools closing early in anticipation of the unrest.

Jewish Villa fan Elliot Ludvig shared his concerns about attending the match with his son, citing fears of potential violence and unpleasant encounters both inside and outside the stadium.

Calls for Peace and Solidarity

Ludvig also expressed disappointment, questioning whether attending the game was worth the personal risks involved. In contrast, fan group Punjabi Villans urged calm and mutual respect, posting on social media: “We’re in this together. Football unites us.”

On the eve of the match, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s CEO Jack Angelides lamented the absence of his team’s supporters, stating, “Politics should never be drawn into football.”

Earlier in the week, Naeem Malik, chair of the West Midlands Palestine Solidarity Campaign, highlighted widespread national opposition to hosting the Israeli team. He called on activists to unite in protest, emphasizing the ignored risks associated with the fixture.

Community Leaders and Political Voices Speak Out

Several organizations, including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop the War Coalition, Muslim Association of Britain, Friends of Al-Aqsa, Kashmir Solidarity Campaign, and Palestinian Forum in Britain, jointly organized protests demanding the match’s cancellation.

Independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, Ayoub Khan, was among the most outspoken critics, attending the demonstration and leading chants of “Free, Free Palestine.” He emphasized the city’s diversity and the community’s support for Palestinians while condemning violence and hooliganism.

“We are a welcoming community that supports footballers but rejects hooligans and genocide,” Khan stated.

International Context: UN Report and Israeli Response

In September, a United Nations commission of inquiry concluded that Israel had committed acts amounting to genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, finding reasonable grounds that four out of five genocidal acts had occurred.

Israel’s foreign ministry strongly rejected the UN report, labeling it “distorted and false.” This international backdrop intensified the emotions surrounding the match and the protests.