More than 700 police officers will be deployed at Aston Villa’s stadium as part of a large-scale security operation ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League home match against Maccabi Tel Aviv, according to the Daily Mail.
West Midlands Police will also use drones, dogs, horses, and “protest liaison officers” at the game, from which visiting fans are banned. A no-fly zone has been declared around Villa Park. The scale of the operation is described as unprecedented, given that no supporters of the Israeli club are officially allowed to attend.
Police remain on alert for the possibility that some Maccabi fans might obtain tickets, as well as for potential protests in and around Villa Park and Birmingham.
The decision to bar Maccabi supporters followed advice from West Midlands Police to the local Safety Advisory Group, which issues safety licenses for matches, amid security concerns. The move drew international criticism and even prompted British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for the decision to be reconsidered. Maccabi Tel Aviv later said it would not accept tickets regardless, citing fears that the fixture could be exploited for political purposes.
Daily Mail Sport reported that far-right British activist Tommy Robinson’s decision to wear a Maccabi Tel Aviv shirt in support of the club’s banned fans was viewed by the club as “the final straw” amid a wave of protests over antisemitism.
Additional security measures include a ban on drone flights within a one-mile radius of the stadium from 2 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on match day. Anyone caught flying a drone during that time will face arrest.
Birmingham Police commander Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce said: “Our message to all communities in Birmingham is that we have listened and will continue to engage with you. We are committed to maintaining the city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Anyone who breaks the law will be dealt with directly, as will those who incite hatred.”
He added that significant traffic disruptions are expected near the stadium and urged people to avoid the area if possible. “We know that protests by different groups will take place on the day,” he said. “We have plans that balance the right to protest with our duty to protect all communities in Birmingham. Our goal is to ensure people can enjoy the match while keeping everyone in the city safe, facilitating peaceful protest, and maintaining public order.”
According to the report, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign plans to hold a protest outside the match. On its website, the group accused Israel of “genocide” and claimed that allowing Israeli teams to take part in international tournaments “normalizes its atrocities and sends the message that there are no consequences.”