Tight UK Security Ahead of Match Against Israeli Club
More than 700 police officers were deployed across Birmingham, UK, on Thursday to manage protests planned before the football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa. The visiting Israeli fans were barred from attending the game.
The UK government had pledged last month to overturn the ban on Maccabi fans attending the Europa League match in Birmingham, a city with a large Muslim community, following widespread criticism of the local safety advisors' and police's decision. Despite this, the Israeli club later announced it would not accept any tickets for its fans, citing safety concerns.
Aston Villa confirmed they are not selling tickets for the away section of Villa Park, leaving it empty during the match.
Birmingham, the UK's second-largest city, has seen frequent pro-Palestinian rallies over the past two years. On Thursday, an AFP correspondent observed a significant police presence near Villa’s stadium.
Local police reported that multiple protests were scheduled near Villa Park, including a pro-Palestinian demonstration calling for Israel to be banned from international football. Additionally, a pro-Israeli group organized a Maccabi Solidarity Rally. Both events were set to begin around 6:00 pm (1800 GMT), two hours before kickoff.
"Protests by different groups were scheduled Thursday near Villa Park, including a pro-Palestinian demonstration demanding Israel be excluded from international football."
"A pro-Israeli group has also organised a Maccabi Solidarity Rally, with both protests set to kick off around 6:00 pm (1800 GMT), two hours before the match is due to begin."
Summary: Extensive police were deployed in Birmingham ahead of the Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Aston Villa match amid planned pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protests, with visiting fans barred over safety concerns.