Eleven people were arrested during protests surrounding Aston Villa’s controversial clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv, one that was dogged by weeks of contention around the inclusion of Israeli teams in international competition as a result of the Israel-Gaza war.
Away fans were banned from attending on safety grounds over fears by Birmingham City’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) that the match was “high-risk”. The SAG cited both the context of the Israel-Gaza war and previous “violent clashes and hate crime offences” involving Maccabi fans at a Europa League game in Amsterdam last year, which led to dozens of arrests and five people being imprisoned.
The decision sparked anger from Sir Keir Starmer and others amid accusations of surrendering to anti-semitism, with the prime minister emphasising that the police should “ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation”.
After tense pre-match demonstrations led to police intervention, Villa were able to put off-pitch matters to one side as goals from Ian Maatsen and Donyell Malen helped them cruise past Maccabi.
Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv - live
- Pro-Palestine demonstrations took place in lead-up to Aston Villa's meeting with Maccabi Tel Aviv
- Counter-protests also vocal as Israeli club's fans banned from attending
- Villa emerged 2-0 victors in the Europa League clash
- Match-going Villa fans clashed with pro-Palestine protestors ahead of kick-off
- West Midlands Police confirmed 11 arrests were made
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer opposed fan ban
Arrest number rises to 11
23:36 , Will CastleWest Midlands Police have confirmed 11 people, all men or boys, were arrested amid the protests surrounding Aston Villa’s clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv. This number has risen from six.
Here are the details of those arrested:
- A 63-year-old man arrested for a racially aggravated public order offence after he was heard shouting racist abuse during a road rage incident near Villa Park.
- A 21-year-old man arrested after refusing to remove a face covering while a Section 60 order was in place.
- A 17-year-old who was issued with a dispersal order but refused to leave.
- A 34-year-old arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after shouting abuse towards pro-Israel demonstrators.
- A 29-year-old man arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after shouting abuse towards pro-Israel demonstrators. He was also arrested for possession of class B drugs.
- A 67-year-old man arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after shouting racist abuse at a police officer.
- A 32-year-old man arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after shouting racist abuse towards a pro-Palestine group.
- A man aged 21 arrested after trying to throw fireworks into the ground.
- A man arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs.
WATCH: Maccabi Tel Aviv fan clashes with pro-Palestine protester outside Villa Park
23:20 , Will CastleAston Villa, Maccabi Tel Aviv and the protest that made football an afterthought
23:06 , Alan Smith at Villa ParkThree points for Villa and one huge sigh of relief for the people of Aston and its surrounding areas.
A night that left so many fearing the worst ended with a straightforward win for Unai Emery’s team and, more importantly, no widespread disorder as what appeared to be a successful security operation involving 700 police officers from 10 different forces led to just six arrests as of kick-off time.
Alan Smith reports from Villa Park:
Aston Villa, Maccabi Tel Aviv and the protest that made football an afterthought
Six arrested during pro-Palestine protest outside Aston Villa-Maccabi Tel Aviv match
22:45 , Alex Ross in BirminghamAt least six people were arrested as a series of verbal clashes broke out during a pro-Palestine protest outside Aston Villa’s controversial Europa League match against Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Villa Park ahead of Thursday night’s tie, which took place without visiting fans after Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group raised public safety concerns.
The demonstrators, including members of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, gathered outside the stadium’s Trinity Road Stand, with a stage set up for speakers to lead chants against the IDF and in support of Palestinians.
Six arrested during pro-Palestine protest outside Aston Villa-Maccabi Tel Aviv match
Protests take shine off comfortable Aston Villa win against Maccabi Tel Aviv
22:30 , Will Castle
Football game ends without trouble
22:15 , Alex Ross in BirminghamFollowing the end of the match, lines of police ensured leaving supporters were separated from the pro-Palestine protesters who remained.
There appeared to be no trouble as people left the area peacefully.
FULL-TIME! Aston Villa 2-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv
22:01 , Will CastleAston Villa overcame the challenge of Israeli opponents Maccabi Tel Aviv on a night overshadowed by protests outside of Villa Park.
Unai Emery’s side were under pressure for much of a stop-start first half but broke the deadlock through a brilliant finish by Ian Maatsen, blasting in at the tight angle in stoppage time to give Villa the lead.
Their advantage was doubled after half-time, with Donyell Malen firing home from the spot to take the game out of sight for Maccabi.
WATCH: Villa Park protests as Aston Villa host Maccabi Tel Aviv
21:50 , Will CastleAston Villa 2-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv: Off the line!
21:45 , Will CastleHow has that not gone in for Ollie Watkins!
The ball is whipped in and ricochets off the striker’s shin, bouncing the past the keeper and towards the bottom-left corner.
It looks certain to go in, only for a desperate Maccabi body to dive in and produce a goal-saving clearance.
WATCH: Police push back protestors outside Villa Park as Aston Villa host Maccabi Tel Aviv
21:42 , Will CastleAston Villa 2-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv: Hosts comfortable
21:38 , Will CastleThis one feels in the bag for Villa.
They’re in total control with 15 minutes to go, and while Maccabi are probing, they’ve been unable to do anything to really trouble Villa’s goal.
Unai Emery’s side have their visitors at an arm’s length.
Aston Villa 2-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv: Malen celebrates Villa's second
21:36 , Will Castle
Arrests made outside Villa Park
21:31 , Will Castle
GOAL! Aston Villa 2-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv (Malen, 59')
21:23 , Will CastleDonyell Malen steps up... and fires low into the bottom-left corner!
That’s the cushion Villa were looking for.
PENALTY! Aston Villa 1-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv
21:22 , Will CastleEzri Konsa is brought down in the box... and after much deliberation from the referee (and then VAR), it’s a penalty for Aston Villa!
Aston Villa 1-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv: End-to-end stuff
21:21 , Will CastleTwo big saves at both ends to keep the scoreline as it is!
Maccabi break with venom and the ball falls to Peretz with space in the box, but he’s denied brilliantly by Martinez.
Villa then go straight up the other end as Malen runs in behind, but this time it’s Mishpati who makes the crucial stop.
Heavy police presence still outside Villa Park
21:12 , Will Castle
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BACK UNDERWAY! Aston Villa 1-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv
21:10 , Will CastleThe second half is underway at Villa Park. The hosts lead thanks to a wonderful strike in first-half stoppage-time from Ian Maatsen.
Aston Villa lead Maccabi Tel Aviv at half-time
21:09 , Will Castle
Flare up at half-time in game
21:04 , Alex Ross in BirminghamWith many pro-Palestine protesters still outside the Trinity Road stand, as the whistle blew for halftime, supporters came out into the concourse and began chanting at the demonstrators.
It quickly led to a confrontation with a few cans thrown toward the supporters, separated by a gate.
As police quickly pushed the protesters away, at least one was arrested.
Meanwhile, security inside the stadium moved the Villa fans away from the concourse area, while many sang God Save The King.
West Midlands Police statement continues
21:01 , Will Castle“In the build up to this fixture, we have worked closely with several different faith and local community groups and we have listened to their views and concerns. We continue to do this tonight, as we will after tonight's game,” the statement continues.
“As part of our efforts to prevent crime and keep the public safe, we have Section 60 powers in place until 3am tomorrow (7 November), which allow us to stop and search people without the need to have reasonable grounds.
“Colleagues from across the force, as well as police horses, police dogs, our drone unit, roads policing unit, and protest liaison officers, are joining together for tonight's operation, and a high-visibility police presence will remain in place around Villa Park through the night.
“Drones are also restricted from flying with a one nautical mile radius of Villa Park until 11.59pm tonight (6 November).
“Updates on tonight's operation will be posted here and on our @WMPolice X account.”
Birmingham Police Commander brands clash as 'one of most contentious matches we've hosted'
21:00 , Will Castle"Our officers are being supported by officers from up and down the country as part of mutual aid,” Chief Supt Tom Joyce, Birmingham Police Commander, said.
"This has definitely been one of the most contentious and controversial matches we've hosted for some time, but our priority, really clearly, is public safety.
"It's about protecting the communities that live in and around Aston Villa, and reassuring those communities who are potentially affected by the match tonight."
Statement from West Midlands Police following Aston Villa-Maccabi protests
20:58 , Will Castle“Hundreds of extra officers are on duty in Birmingham tonight, as Villa Park plays host to Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv,” the statement read.
“We're used to policing high profile football fixtures, events, and demonstrations, and as ever, our focus is on keeping the public safe.
“We know protests by different groups are taking place, and our plans balance the right to protest with our duty to protect all communities.
“In planning for this match our goal has been to make sure that supporters can enjoy the fixture, whilst we facilitate peaceful protect, and continue to keep people across the West Midlands safe.
“Crime and disorder will not be tolerated and anyone found to be breaking the law will be dealt with directly.”
HALF-TIME! Aston Villa 1-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv
20:56 , Will CastleThe half-time whistle blows with Aston Villa ahead, courtesy of a stoppage-time finish by left-back Ian Maatsen.
After what had been a mixed first half, that’s exactly what Unai Emery’s side needed.
GOAL! Aston Villa 1-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv (Maatsen, 45+1')
20:52 , Will CastleAnd Villa do get the breakthrough! Ian Maatsen fires home on the brink of half-time.
Aston Villa 0-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv: Huge stop by Martinez
20:49 , Will CastleJust as Villa look to be getting into their stride, they breathe a huge sigh of relief!
Roy Revivo squares the ball for captain Dor Peretz who looks to have a tap-in six yards out, but he shoots straight at Emi Martinez when he had half an empty goal to aim for.
Maccabi should be ahead.
Six people arrested in protests
20:45 , Will CastleWest Midlands Police have confirmed that six people were arrested during the protests ahead of Aston Villa’s clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
As revealed in an official statement, here are the details of the arrests in question:
- A man, 21, for failing to comply with an order to remove a face mask.
- A boy, 17, for failing to comply with a dispersal order.
- Three people arrested for racially aggravated public order offences
- One person for a breach of the peace.
Aston Villa 0-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv: Rogers close to wondergoal
20:42 , Will CastleSo close for Villa!
With 10 minutes to go until half-time, Morgan Rogers has produced Villa’s first bit of real brilliance as he went on a mazy run into the box, only to be denied at the last!
Looking to capitalise on the pressure, Villa put it back into the box and after pinball ensues, it breaks to Donyell Malen who sees his effort from close-range well saved by the Maccabi keeper.
Pro-Palestine protests quieting but still going
20:39 , Will Castle
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Aston Villa 0-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv: Visitors playing with confidence
20:33 , Will CastleHeart-in-mouth moment for Aston Villa as Maccabi come very close to breaking the deadlock, and it all stems for a very risky pass in their own box.
Emiliano Martinez finds Jadon Sancho, who then loses the ball not once, but twice.
Osher Davida's shot is deflected just wide, but it’s the visitors who are playing with the most confidence right now.
It’s been very stop-start so far for Villa.
Protests continue outside Villa Park
20:30 , Alex Ross in BirminghamAs the game takes place inside the stadium, many pro-Palestine protesters have remained.
Chanting continues with focus on a stage put up on the grass verge off Trinity Road.
The noise is overtaken at one point by chants inside the ground by Villa fans backing their team.
Hundreds of police officers remain outside, but the atmosphere is calm now.
Aston Villa 0-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv: Hosts control ball but being frustrated
20:19 , Will CastleWe’re just over 15 minutes into the clash at Villa Park and the hosts have controlled the ball so far, but Maccabi have shown glimpses of promise. The Israeli side are not afraid to go forward and have looked threatening on occasion.
However, they have just been dealt an injury blow with defender Mohamed Ali Camara going down twice before being substituted.
Outside the ground, pro-Palestine protests remain vocal.
'Home fans trying to bring humour to situation'
20:14 , Alan Smith at Villa ParkHere’s Alan Smith inside Villa Park:
“The home fans are already trying to bring some humour to the situation with chants of: ‘You’ve seen the Villa, now f*** off home’, ‘You’ve only come to see the Villa’, ‘Shall we sing a song for you’ and ‘It’s all very quiet over there’ directed at the empty away end. The game has started predictably, with Unai Emery’s players looking to dominate possession. They have made five changes to the team that lost away to Liverpool last weekend with Donyell Malen leading the frontline.”
Tense atmosphere outside stadium calms as game kicks off
20:08 , Alex Ross in BirminghamFollowing the brief moments of intervention by police in separating groups, the atmosphere has now calmed outside the stadium as the game kicks off inside.
A line of police remains across Trinity Road near the pro-Palestine protest, but it now appears peaceful again.
Kick-off inside Villa Park
20:06 , Will CastleTonight’s clash between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv is underway.
A lot of empty seats in Villa Park - and not just in the away end.
Police intervene again as tempers flare
20:01 , Alex Ross in BirminghamWith so many people walking into the stadium, and past the pro-Palestine protesters, we are seeing flare ups between groups, with police quickly moving in each time to move people on.
At one point, police on horseback became involved to separate groups.
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'PA volume turned up significantly inside stadium'
19:58 , Alan Smith at Villa ParkHere’s Alan Smith inside Villa Park:
“Two minutes to go before kick off and the teams are lining up in the tunnel. There are empty seats in every block of Villa Park and they seem to have turned the PA volume up significantly compared to a normal game here. A pre-match fireworks display has just clouded the pitch in smoke but I’m yet to see a single message displayed in the stands that could be considered inflammatory.”
Closing in on kick-off at Villa Park
19:49 , Will CastleWe’re about 10 minutes away from kick-off in tonight’s Europa League clash between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The players have been warming up under the Villa Park lights and no doubt hearing the protests going outside the ground.
Stand-off ends
19:44 , Alex Ross in BirminghamPolice have now moved the pro Palestine protesters off Trinity Road, where press and Aston Villa supporters attending the game now walk along.
The protest continues on a grass verge off the main road to the stadium.
Meanwhile, the group who confronted the protesters has been moved away.
Police move in over face-off at pro-Palestine protest
19:41 , Alex Ross in BirminghamPolice have moved in to separate a large group of people from the pro-Palestine protest in Trinity Road.
They stood together, firstly singing Aston Villa songs at the protesters, and then appearing to show support for Tommy Robinson with a chant.
They were faced anger from pro Palestine protesters who moved forward to the police line separating the groups.
Clashes between Aston Villa fans and protestors
19:37 , Will CastleThere’s tension between match-going Aston Villa fans and the pro-Palestine protestors that have been lining the streets this evening.
While “free, free Palestine” and “from the river to the sea” have been the prevailing chants for the past couple of hours, they have for the first time been - if only for a few seconds - drowned out by Villa fans signing “I’m Villa ‘til I die” and “we shall not be moved”. It’s led to an escalation in police activity, with protestors being made to fall back.
As our match reporter Alan Smith mentioned, thousands of seats in the home end remained unsold as of this morning with many choosing to stay away, presumably out of fears of trouble.
WATCH: Maccabi Tel Aviv fan clashes with pro-Palestine protester outside Villa Park
19:30 , Will CastleRush of police officers to corner of Villa Park
19:27 , Will Castle
‘Fall back in line’ pro-Palestine protesters told
19:23 , Alex Ross in BirminghamWe’ve just seen a rush of police officers, followed by press and pro-Palestine protesters, toward a corner of the stadium on Trinity Road.
The officers then reached the point in the road before lining up along the pavement and grass verge.
Meanwhile, a pro-Palestine protester on an open mic urged demonstrators to return to the protest area.
“This is a peaceful protest,” he says. “Fall back in line.”
It certainly continues to feel tense with so many police officers observing the crowds.
'Maccabi players greeted by complete disinterest by Villa fans'
19:21 , Alan Smith at Villa ParkHere’s Alan Smith inside Villa Park:
“The Maccabi players have just emerged from the tunnel to begin their warm ups and they were greeted by complete disinterest by the Villa fans who are already in their seats. Thousands of seats in the home end remained unsold as of this morning with many choosing to stay away, presumably out of fears of trouble. The club had restricted the sale to those with a booking history before the season.”
Growing chants of 'death, death to the IDF'
19:16 , Will CastleThere are an increasing number of videos surfacing showing pro-Palestine protestors chanting ‘death, death to the IDF’.
🔴 As night falls outside Villa Park, growing chants of ‘from the river to the sea’ and ‘death, death to the IDF’.
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) November 6, 2025
Follow the latest updates ahead of Aston Villa-Maccabi Tel Aviv ⬇️https://t.co/gOaMVHdi0a pic.twitter.com/PDBhXYFbnd
'Good energy’ to pro-Palestine protesters
19:10 , Will CastleAmong the hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters is Alexandra Hamilton, part of the London group of Game Over Israel.
“The purpose today is to stand in solidarity the local community in Birmingham who have fought so hard to try to cancel this match and show support for people of Palestine,” she says.
“It is a good protest so far. It’s loud and there is good energy with families and children taking part. It’s all peaceful.”
She blames UEFA, who she says failed to take action against Maccabi Tel Aviv over the situation in Gaza. She also blames prime minster Sir Keir Starmer, who she says politicised the issue when he spoke out over the decision to not allow Maccabi Tel Aviv fans to attend today’s game.
'Additional security checks at Villa Park but friendly and efficient'
19:05 , Alan Smith at Villa ParkHere’s our match reporter Alan Smith inside Villa Park:
“Inside Villa Park it is business as usual aside from the away end being empty. I walked towards the ground from Witton station, where police were being proactive in saying hello to matchgoers. At about 6pm there was one small group of counterprotestors - no more than a dozen of them - filming each other in an industrial estate car park, with one woman wearing a Union flag balaclava among them. They were vastly outnumbered by police officers monitoring from a respectful distance. Entering the ground meant two additional security checks to normal but it was friendly, straightforward and quite efficient.”
Static protest outside Palestine
19:00 , Will CastleDemonstrations will continue outside of Villa Park as part of the “static” pro-Palestine protest, with this not being a march.
It’s been said over the PA that the aim is for the fans to hear the protests inside the ground, so don’t expect this to die down quickly after kick-off.
Half-and-half scarves being sold as usual for controversial match
18:55 , Will Castle
Team news revealed as protests continue
18:47 , Will CastleAs protests continue outside the stadium, there is a football match still to be played this evening between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Team news for the Europa League clash has just been revealed.
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Konsa, Lindelof, Torres, Maatsen; Onana, Bogarde; Guessand, Rogers, Sancho; Malen.
Maccabi Tel Aviv XI: Mishpati; Asante, Camara, Shlomo, Revivo; Sissokho, Noy, Peretz; Varela, Davida, Madmon.
Your Villa starting XI this evening 👋 #UEL pic.twitter.com/AeNSOdBO7v
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 6, 2025
ה-11 שלנו הערב בוילה פארק 🟡🔵 #רקמכבי pic.twitter.com/inP0RO9WoA
— Maccabi Tel Aviv FC (@MaccabiTLVFC) November 6, 2025
WATCH: Hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters gather outside Villa Park
18:40 , Will CastleHundreds of police watch on
18:39 , Alex Ross in BirminghamAs pro-Palestine protesters continue chants, lines of police officers watch on closely.
There’s been no trouble I’ve seen so far.
I’m hearing there is a small counter protest at the other side of the stadium, but it’s not within eyesight or ear of the pro-Palestine campaigners.
Watch live Villa Park protest ahead of Maccabi Tel Aviv Europa League match
18:37 , Will CastleClick below to watch our live feed of the Villa Park protest ahead of tonight’s Europa League clash:
Watch live Villa Park protest ahead of Maccabi Tel Aviv Europa League match
Pro-Palestine demonstrators turn up volume at protest
18:36 , Alex Ross in BirminghamHundreds of pro-Palestine protesters are gathered outside the Trinity Road Stand, many waving placards and Palestine flags.
On the PA, chants are voiced, then repeated by the protesters to the rhythm of a drum.
‘Free free Palestine’ is chanted repeatedly, as supporters continue to enter the stadium opposite.
Tightened security on the gates
18:32 , Alex Ross in BirminghamSupporters coming into the Trinity Road Stand are facing a long pat down as they enter the stadium.
Tickets were available only for those with ticket history in a bid to avoid issues inside the stadium.
It was reported earlier that there are thousands of unsold tickets with some fans deciding to stay away.
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Villa fans watch on from inside
18:29 , Alex Ross in BirminghamJust along Trinity Road, Aston Villa supporters inside the stadium concourse watch out through a steel fence at the pro-Palestine protest.
Inside the concourse there is a stage with pop music being played, all part of the usual rematch entertainment. It’s a rather odd juxtaposition with what’s going on outside.
Maccabi Tel Aviv fan travels to Villa Park despite ban
18:27 , Will CastleA Maccabi Tel Aviv fan says he has travelled from Israel to protest the decision to ban away fans from tonight’s clash at Villa Park.
“I’m here because we need to stand against any hate, any crime of hate and of course against anti-Semitism, and against the fact that people just want to come and watch football and they’re not allowed because they’re Jews or they’re Israelis, and this is unacceptable,” he told the Daily Mail.
“We should be allowed to arrive here to Villa Park (to) watch our team play football, but obviously we’re not allowed. This is sad and this is 2025. We’re going back to the 1940s all over again.
“I really hope that being here and protesting in a legal protest, peaceful protest, we’re saying that enough is enough and we need to be able to be where want if we’re not doing anything wrong. This is a message that should be simple.”
I’m here in Birmingham outside Aston Villa's stadium standing proudly.
— יוסף חדאד - Yoseph Haddad (@YosephHaddad) November 6, 2025
Because we have nothing to be ashamed of and no reason to be afraid - it’s the terror supporters who need to hide, not us! pic.twitter.com/lzs3C6fW8l
'No war games allowed'
18:20 , Will Castle
Perry Barr MP asks Uefa to ‘give Israel the red card’
18:15 , Alex Ross in BirminghamSpeaking now at the pro-Palestine protest is Perry Barr MP Ayoub Khan.
He says: “Great thank you to West Midlands police, I’d like to also thank all the studios and wvach and everyone of you for coming here to stand in solidarity with the Palestinians.
“When you see the images of children being massacred when you understand that more than 800 athletes killed in Gaza….then you will understand the moral argument that if we can ban Russian football teams then the right moral stance is you ban any Israeli team from participating.”
The biggest cheer come as he says he hopes Aston Villa thrash Maccabi Tel Aviv. He finishes by leading the chant “Free Palestine”.
Protests well underway ahead of Aston Villa-Maccabi Tel Aviv clash
18:09 , Will Castle
Atmosphere outside Villa Park feels tense
18:03 , Alex Ross in BirminghamArriving at Villa Park through Aston Park, you are instantly aware of the heavy police presence with officers and vans at almost every corner.
Along Trinity Road, which faces the ground, there is a long line of police officers, watching over the developing protest and supporters arriving.
Organisers of the pro-Palestine protest have reminded people it is a peaceful protest, as more arrive by the minute.
Hundred of pro-Palestine protesters outside Villa Park
18:00 , Alex Ross in BirminghamI’m on Trinity Road, which runs alongside Villa Park, the location for tonight’s game between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv.I’d say around 300 pro-Palestine protesters, many waving Palestine flags, have gathered outside the Trinity Road Stand.
Music is being played with the occasional chant of ‘Free Palestine’. Placards say ‘Stop starving Gaza’ and ‘stop arming Israel’.
This is being organised by a collection of campaign groups, with calls for the game not to go-ahead amid the situation in Gaza.
Counter-protests held outside Villa Park
17:54 , Will CastleAs “Free, Free Palestine” chants ring around Villa Park, there are counter-protestors donned with Israel flags.
Dozens of vans have been seen outside the stadium, displaying messages such as “Kick Out Antisemitism” and “Football Unites. Hate Divides.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters most likely among Israeli football fans to engage in racist chanting - Kick It Out
17:50 , Flo CliffordResearch by Kick It Out Israel found that racist chanting by Israeli football fans grew rapidly over the last year, with Maccabi Tel Aviv fans the most likely to engage in such behaviour.
It found a record total of 367 incidents of racist chanting at Israeli Premier League games in 2024-25, a 67 per cent increase on the previous season, with 118 of those incidents concerning Maccabi supporters.
The most commonly recorded chant was “Let the IDF win, fuck the Arabs”, which fans were also filmed singing during the fan violence at the Ajax match in Amsterdam last year.
The Birmingham City SAG’s decision to ban Maccabi fans from the game at Villa Park tonight - describing the fixture as “high risk” - reportedly took into account such “racist taunts”, according to The Guardian.
Palestine Solidarity Campaign protesting on Trinity Road
17:41 , Will Castle
Managers avoid addressing political backdrop
17:35 , Flo CliffordMaccabi Tel Aviv manager Zarko Lazetic said it was sad his side will have no supporters in the stadium but both he and Aston Villa manger Unai Emery avoided non-football topics in their pre-match press conferences.
Journalists were told not to ask political questions ahead of speaking to Emery, while Lazetic said: “Of course [it will be sad]. Unfair or fair, in the world I am not one to judge that but on the pitch it is 11 against 11 and we will try to do our best.”
Aston Villa fans have been warned about displaying any political images, flags or banners ahead of the highly-charged event. Uefa rules do not allow political messaging at competitions the body oversees.
West Midlands Police to use Section 60 powers
17:20 , Flo CliffordWest Midlands Police announced on Wednesday night that it will be using Section 60 powers – the ability to “stop and search people without the need to have reasonable grounds” - throughout Thursday.
It said: “We will have more than 700 officers keeping the public safe and arresting anyone who engages in crime or disorder.”
The Section 60 powers will be in place over a large area of central Birmingham from 12pm Thursday until 3am Friday.
The force added: “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.”
What happened in Amsterdam?
17:05 , Flo CliffordViolent clashes erupted ahead of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Europa League game with Ajax in November last year.
Amsterdam’s police chief said Maccabi supporters attacked a taxi and set a Palestinian flag on fire the day before the match.
On match day more of the club’s fans were filmed tearing down Palestinian flags and chanting anti-Palestinian slogans. Police escorted them into the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Disorder escalated during the match, with taxi drivers attacking a group of fans; one video verified by Reuters appeared to show a car mounting a pavement and run over a Maccabi supporter.
Amsterdam’s mayor Femke Halsema said that “anti-Semitic hit-and-run squads” evaded police and attacked supporters across the city.
Dutch police arrested more than 60 people, with five imprisoned.
What happened the last time Maccabi Tel Aviv played in Europe?
16:50 , Flo CliffordMaccabi Tel Aviv’s last Europa League game was on 24 September against Greek side PAOK in Thessaloniki, Greece.
About 120 Maccabi fans attended that game and were held behind a police cordon before entering the stadium.
Maccabi Tel Aviv declined any tickets
16:35 , Flo CliffordMaccabi Tel Aviv released a statement on Monday 20 October saying the club would decline any tickets offered in the wake of the ban on fans.
It said a “toxic atmosphere” had put the safety of fans wishing to attend “very much in doubt”.
It continued: “The wellbeing and safety of our fans is paramount and from hard lessons learned, we have taken the decision to decline any allocation offered on behalf of away fans and our decision should be understood in that context.
“We hope that circumstances will change and look forward to being able to play in Birmingham in a sporting environment in the near future.”
Keir Starmer says ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans is 'wrong'
16:20 , Flo CliffordA spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said at the time the ban was announced that he would do “everything in his power” to overturn it, condemning the move as the “wrong decision”.
Starmer wrote on X: “This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets.
“The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.”
This is the wrong decision.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 16, 2025
We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets.
The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.https://t.co/8aBeqE4qbA
What have West Midlands Police said?
16:05 , Flo CliffordA spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “We are committed to delivering fair and impartial policing, while balancing the public's right to protest with our duty to ensure public safety.
“Following a thorough assessment, we have classified the upcoming Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv fixture as high risk.
“While the safety certificate is issued by Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police supports the decision to prohibit away supporters from attending.
“This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.
“We remain steadfast in our support of all affected communities, and reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on hate crime in all its forms.”
Full statement from Aston Villa
15:50 , Flo CliffordA club statement on 16 October read: “Aston Villa can confirm the club has been informed that no away fans may attend the Uefa Europa League match with Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, November 6, following an instruction from the Safety Advisory Group.
“The Safety Advisory Group are responsible for issuing safety certificates for every match at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors.
“Following a meeting (on Friday) afternoon, the SAG have formally written to the club and Uefa to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture.
“West Midlands Police have advised the SAG that they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night.
“The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision.”
Police arrive near Villa Park
15:42 , Flo Clifford
Will there be protests?
15:35 , Flo CliffordThere is also a counter-protest planned, with a call for fans to gather as a “gesture of solidarity” with the Maccabi team and fans who have been excluded.
West Midlands Police released a statement on social media on Wednesday confirming that supporters planning to attend the fixture on Thursday night will face “multiple ticket checks on the approach to the stadium”.
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Will there be protests?
15:20 , Flo CliffordBirmingham Police commander Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce confirmed that protests are expected to take place on the day, with a plan “to balance the right to protest with our duty to protect all communities in Birmingham.”
Campaign group Palestine Solidarity Campaign has announced it will hold a protest at the match to demand Israel be excluded from international football due to their actions in Gaza.
The protest will assemble at 6pm at Aston Park Pavilion, a short distance from Villa Park.
Why is the decision to ban fans controversial?
15:05 , Flo CliffordUefa, European football’s governing body, has told Reuters that competent local authorities are responsible for the decision over fan safety.
Some supporters have reacted negatively to the decision, pointing out it will impact the atmosphere, while Jonny Gould, former director of the Aston Villa Supporters Trust, maintains he “doesn’t want politics in the business of football”.
While a more serious impact from the decision, according to Maccabi Tel Aviv chair Jack Angelides, is how it might set a precedent for how events are handled moving forward.
“To be frank, it’s met with some dismay about what this potentially is signalling,” he told Radio 4’s Today show. “I do think this is an extremely important moment because of what it signifies. I don’t use this term lightly but people ask: ‘What does antisemitism look like?'
“And it’s often manifested as part of a process – a process, in other words, small events leading up to something that’s more.”
What measures are in place and will there be an increased police presence?
14:50 , Flo CliffordIt has been widely reported that there will be more than 700 police officers on duty on the evening of the game in and around Villa Park Stadium.
Horses, dogs, a drone unit, and road policing officers will be present and there is a no-fly zone around the ground.
The community in the Aston area is 73.3 per cent Muslim, according to the 2021 Census.
There will be a heightened police presence between Aston and Witton train stations, West Midlands Railways has confirmed.
Some schools in the area are reporting to be closely early to avoid disruption.
People should expect 'significant disruption' on roads around Villa Park
14:37 , Alex Ross in BirminghamWest Midlands Police is running a major operation surrounding tonight's game, with 700 officers being deployed, including a drone unit, police dogs and protest liaison officers.
As a result, Ch Supt Tom Joyce is warning public in the area of disruption on the roads.
He 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.
“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.
“We are experienced at policing high profile football matches and demonstrations, and for many weeks now, we have been working closely with different faith and local community groups to listen to their views and concerns.”
Police handed stop and search powers around stadium
14:25 , Alex Ross in BirminghamAs the build-up begins to tonight's game between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa, much of the attention is on incidents outside the ground, rather than the game inside, with thousands of tickets reportedly unsold.
A pro-Palestine protest is expected to be faced with a counter protest outside Villa Park from 6pm tonight.
As a result, West Midlands Police said it was deploying 700 officers to keep “public safe and arresting anyone who engages in crime or disorder”.
At noon today, powers were given to officers to stop and search people without the need to have reasonable grounds. They will remain in place until Friday at 3am.
Ch Supt Tom Joyce, said: “Our goal throughout planning for this match is to ensure people can enjoy the football fixture while we continue to keep everyone in Birmingham safe, facilitate peaceful protest and maintain the King’s peace.”
25,000 people signed petition for game to be called off
14:10 , Alex Ross in BirminghamEver since Maccabi Tel Aviv were drawn to face Aston Villa in the Europa League, there have been questions over how the game should be policed, and if it should be staged.
As previously reported, Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group blocked Maccabi supporters from attending the game, after an assessment by West Midlands Police classified the fixture as high-risk.
But there have also been calls for the game to be called off.
On Wednesday, campaign group Palestine Solidarity Campaign handed a petition signed by 25,000 people to the FA, demanding the game be called off.
Members will also be taking part in a protest outside Villa Park at 6pm tonight. It is expected that the action will be met by a counter protest.
Are there any recent examples of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans at away matches that have influenced the decision?
13:55 , Flo CliffordViolent clashes and hate crime offences took place around the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam last year, which the Eredivisie side won 5-0.
Pro-Palestinian supporters and Israeli fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv clashed in the Dutch capital. Amsterdam’s police chief said Maccabi supporters attacked a taxi and set a Palestinian flag on fire the day before the match, as well as chanting anti-Palestinian slogans on matchday. The clashes led to dozens of arrests, while five people were imprisoned.
There have been accusations of antisemitic attacks in the immediate aftermath of the clashes from 6-7 November. Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema claimed the incidents caused “a black night and a dark day” for the city, claiming antisemitic “criminals” attacked Jewish visitors and that “it was hit and run”.
Why are there no away fans?
13:45 , Flo CliffordThe local Safety Advisory Group (SAG), with help from an assessment from West Midlands Police that the match was “high-risk”, decided that approximately 1,000 Maccabi fans would be banned from attending.
The decision was not only made within the context of the Israel-Gaza war, but police added that the move was also “based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 Uefa Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Amsterdam”.
There were strong calls to reverse the decision, which was deemed politically controversial, but Maccabi stated on 20 October that they would snub the offer of tickets due to “a toxic atmosphere has been created which makes the safety of our fans wishing to attend very much in doubt”.
What is happening?
13:34 , Flo CliffordAston Villa host Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League tonight.
Away fans for the Israeli club have been banned from attending, with the Premier League club sharing the decision made by Birmingham City’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG), who issue safety certificates for matches at the Villa Park stadium.
The decision has sparked anger from Sir Keir Starmer and others, with the prime minister emphasising that the police should “ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation”.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labelled the decision “a national disgrace”.
Discussion has emerged in recent months about the inclusion of Israeli teams in international competitions as a result of the Israel-Gaza war. After the ceasefire was agreed to last month, the football fixture is set to go ahead.
Good afternoon
13:30 , Flo CliffordHello and welcome to live coverage of events in Birmingham today, with protests expected ahead of Aston Villa’s Europa League game against Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park.
Campaign group Palestine Solidarity Campaign will be holding a demonstration at Israeli sides’ continuing participation in international football, while counter-protests are also planned for the evening in opposition to fans of the club being excluded from attending the game on safety grounds.
