Protests and Arrests Mark Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Aston Villa Europa League Match in Birmingham

Heightened Security for Europa League Clash

Birmingham, UK – A UEFA Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa at Villa Park on Thursday, November 6, 2025, was met with significant pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests, leading to six arrests. The fixture, which Aston Villa won 2-0, proceeded under a heavy security presence, with more than 700 police officers deployed across the city and around the stadium.

Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations and Counter-Protests

Approximately 200 pro-Palestinian protesters, including members of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), gathered near Villa Park's Trinity Road stand. Demonstrators displayed Palestinian flags and banners calling for a boycott of Israel and demanding Israel's exclusion from international football. Chants such as 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' and 'Death to the IDF' were heard. Some banners also read 'No war games allowed. Zionists not welcome.'

A smaller counter-demonstration, comprising around 40 individuals, also took place. These protesters, some carrying Israeli flags and signs stating 'Keep Antisemitism Out of Football' and 'Ban hatred not fans', gathered to oppose the ban on Maccabi fans and to show solidarity. Five flatbed vehicles with electronic billboards displaying messages opposing antisemitism were also driven past the ground.

Arrests and Public Safety Concerns

West Midlands Police confirmed six arrests were made during the protests. The charges included:

• One 21-year-old man for failing to comply with an order to remove a face mask.
• One 17-year-old boy for failing to comply with a dispersal order.
• Three individuals for racially aggravated public order offenses.
• One person for breach of the peace.

The decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the match was made by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group (SAG) due to public safety concerns, classifying the fixture as 'high-risk'. This decision was influenced by intelligence regarding previous incidents, including 'violent clashes and hate crime offences' involving Maccabi fans during a 2024 Europa League match in Amsterdam. The ban drew criticism from various figures, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who called it 'the wrong decision'. Maccabi Tel Aviv ultimately declined their ticket allocation, citing a 'toxic atmosphere'.

Impact on Local Community

The heightened tensions and planned demonstrations led to some local schools closing early and authorities advising people to avoid the area around Villa Park. West Midlands Police Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce stated that plans were in place to balance the right to protest with the duty to protect all communities.