Copyright birminghammail
A Birmingham pub issued a clear message ahead of the controversial Aston Villa game tonight. A ten-minute walk from Villa Park Stadium , The Aston Inn is self-described as the 'best place to be on match days'. Tonight's match day is unlike any other with controversy surrounding the fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv. READ MORE: Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv protests start early as police prepare security ring of steel Last month, West Midlands Police banned fans of the Israeli club after considering the Europa League game 'high risk'. In response, Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised the ban and called it the 'wrong decision'. Days later, the Tel Aviv football derby between Maccabi and Hapoel was called off over fans rioting. With over 700 police officers expected in the area this evening, a number of protests and demonstrations are scheduled before the match. And for one Aston Villa season ticket holder, tonight was ' not worth the risk'. But for anyone going to the game, The Aston Inn announced it is 'ready to welcome' Villa fans. Receiving 'loads of messages' about whether the pub would be open for business as usual, The Aston Inn clarified its stance. On social media, The Aston Inn posted: "Just to reiterate again — we are definitely open. "It’s match day baby — let's go. We’ve had loads of messages asking, so here it is loud and clear — The Aston Inn is open and ready to welcome our Villa family. "We’ll always support our boys and always be here for the fans — no matter what challenges or difficulties today’s game might bring. "We’re here for the football, the fans, and the Villa spirit. See you all here — it’s going to be another big one. UTV always." The Aston Inn is located on Aston Hall Rd, Birmingham B6 7JU
