Tight Security in Birmingham for Match Featuring Israeli Club Maccabi Tel Aviv
More than 700 police officers were deployed across Birmingham on Thursday ahead of a football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa. The visit of the Israeli club's fans was banned due to safety concerns.
Last month, the UK government promised to lift the ban on Maccabi fans attending the Europa League match in Birmingham, a city with a significant Muslim population. This decision followed criticism from local safety advisors and police. However, Maccabi Tel Aviv later announced it would not accept any tickets for its supporters, citing safety risks.
Aston Villa confirmed that no tickets would be sold for the away section of their Villa Park stadium, leaving it vacant during the game.
Protests and Demonstrations Planned
Birmingham, the UK's second-largest city, has witnessed frequent pro-Palestinian rallies in the past two years. Local police reported that multiple protests were scheduled near Villa Park on match day.
- A pro-Palestinian demonstration called for Israel to be excluded from international football.
- A pro-Israeli group organized a Maccabi Solidarity Rally.
Both protests were set to start around 6:00 pm (1800 GMT), two hours before kickoff, under heavy police presence.
"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 organized a Maccabi Solidarity Rally, with both protests set to kick off around 6:00 pm amid a heavy police presence."
Author's Summary
Extensive police deployment in Birmingham aims to manage protests and ensure safety ahead of the Europa League match amid tensions surrounding the Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv’s visit.
More News
- Musetti wins and reaches the final in Athens, with only Djokovic standing between him and the ATP Finals.
- Lorenzo Musetti one win away from qualifying for ATP Finals, Novak Djokovic awaits | Tennis.com
- Djokovic sets up Athens final showdown with Musetti | SuperSport
- Stranger Things Season 5: Netflix Reveals Spine-Chilling First 5 Minutes | Outlook India
- Musetti keeps ATP Finals hopes alive with tight win
- Musetti saves match point to reach Athens final and prolong Turin hopes
- Vogue Williams rumoured to be joining I'm A Celebrity lineup
- Wales team announcement LIVE as Steve Tandy names his first XV
- From Immigrant Roots to Market Mastery: Elder Santis Expands Master Trader Corp’s Educational Programs to Empower the Next Generation of Structured Traders
- Bristol Bears vs Argentina XV LIVE: Play-by-play updates from Ashton Gate