Europa League Match: Villa and Maccabi Face Protests and Tensions

Maccabi Tel Aviv fans banned from Aston Villa game amid security concerns

Police deploy 700 officers in Birmingham for Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Europa League match amid security concerns and protests.

“We know protests by different groups will take place on the day, and we have plans in place which balance the right to protest with our duty to protect...”

A massive security operation is underway in Birmingham, with 700 police officers deployed to ensure a safe and peaceful Europa League match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv. The Israeli club's fans have been banned from attending the game due to safety concerns, following advice from West Midlands Police.

The decision to bar Maccabi fans was met with criticism from the UK government, but the club ultimately decided not to accept tickets for visiting supporters, citing a “toxic atmosphere.” Pro-Palestinian groups have planned protests, while some have called for counter-demonstrations, prompting a heavy police presence in the city center and around Villa Park.

Six arrests have been made ahead of the match, including individuals charged with failing to comply with orders, racially-aggravated public order offenses, and breach of the peace. Police have briefed match officials on contingency plans in case of any spectators entering the field of play.

Despite the tense atmosphere, plans for the football match are moving forward, with organizers expecting a large crowd.

Pro-Palestinian groups had initially planned to stage protests, and there were calls on social media for counter-demonstrations. However, authorities are working to ensure a peaceful event.

West Midlands police are taking proactive measures, deploying a significant police presence in central Birmingham, an area with a large Muslim population, and around the stadium, to maintain order and ensure public safety.

“We know protests by different groups will take place on the day, and we have plans in place which balance the right to protest with our duty to protect all communities in Birmingham,” Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce said.

“People not attending the event should expect significant disruption to the roads in the area on the evening, and we’d urge people to avoid the area where possible.”

West Midlands Police tell Sky's @RobHarris that a section of Maccabi Tel Aviv's supporters engaging in 'significant levels of hooliganism' are to blame for the decision to ban them from an away game against Aston Villa.

Full story 🔗 https://t.co/MONjybHaTI pic.twitter.com/Qm79VTwIOG

— Sky News (@SkyNews) November 6, 2025

Violence Erupts in Amsterdam

Last November, clashes broke out in Amsterdam surrounding a match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, resulting in over 60 arrests. The violence involved anti-Israeli groups attacking Maccabi fans, with five people treated in hospital. Verified videos showed Maccabi supporters chanting anti-Arab slogans before the game, while police reported they burned a Palestinian flag, vandalized a taxi, and pulled down another flag. Amsterdam's mayor, Femke Halsema, condemned the violence and announced she would not host Maccabi again.

Britain has seen a significant increase in antisemitic incidents, with over 5,500 cases reported between October 2023 and September 2024, the highest tally since records began in 1984. This rise is linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict, with many incidents involving inflammatory speech and explicit anti-Jewish language.

The recent attack on a Manchester synagogue, which resulted in the deaths of two Jewish worshippers, has heightened concerns about safety and antisemitism in the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, acknowledging the fear within the Jewish community.

In light of these tensions, Maccabi Tel Aviv decided not to bring its fans to the Europa League match against Aston Villa, citing a “toxic atmosphere” and safety concerns. This decision followed initial plans to bar away fans, which was opposed by the UK government.