Aston Villa is gearing up for a Europa League showdown against Maccabi Tel Aviv, but this fixture is shaping up to be about far more than just football.
With tensions running high and away fans officially banned, West Midlands Police are deploying an unprecedented security operation to keep the match safe.
Over 700 Officers and Extensive Security Measures
More than 700 officers will be on duty for Thursday night’s fixture at Villa Park, supported by drones, horses, dogs, and specialized protest liaison officers.
A no-fly zone will also be enforced around the stadium for the day, and anyone caught flying a drone in the restricted area faces arrest.
Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce of Birmingham Police explained: “People can expect to see a large number of uniformed officers, as well as police horses, police dogs, our drone unit, road policing unit, protest liaison officers, and others.
Our goal is to keep everyone in Birmingham safe while balancing the right to protest.”
Away Fans Banned Amid Security Concerns
The official ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters came after West Midlands Police advised the Safety Advisory Group that their attendance could pose a security risk.
The decision sparked international attention and even drew comments from the Prime Minister, who encouraged a review.
Aston Villa confirmed it would not accept any tickets for the away fans, citing concerns that the fixture could be hijacked for political purposes.
The club was also responding to controversial incidents, including right-wing activist Tommy Robinson wearing a Maccabi shirt, which added fuel to the ongoing anti-Semitism debate.
Road Disruptions and Public Warnings
Chief Supt Joyce warned locals to expect major disruption to roads around Villa Park on match day and advised those who could avoid the area.
“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,” he said.
Police have been working closely with the City Council, Aston Villa, and other emergency services for weeks to ensure the fixture goes ahead safely.
Planned Protests Highlight Political Tensions
A protest by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign has been scheduled for Thursday at Aston Pavillion on Trinity Road, starting at 6pm.
The group accuses Israel of “genocide” and claims that allowing its clubs to compete internationally “normalizes its atrocities and sends the signal that there are no consequences for them.”
The campaigners argue that participation in international tournaments allows Israel to present itself as a normal country while “obscuring the truth about its oppression of Palestinians.”
Balancing Football and Community Safety
The challenge for West Midlands Police is to maintain the city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place while managing protests and high tensions around the game.
Chief Supt Joyce emphasized that the police operation aims to allow fans to enjoy the match safely while protecting all communities in Birmingham and facilitating peaceful demonstrations where possible.