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British police mounted a large operation with 700 officers to prevent trouble in Birmingham on Thursday, where Aston Villa were set to play Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv in the UEFA Europa League. With Israeli sports teams often becoming a focus for pro-Palestinian protests during the Gaza conflict and Villa initially stating that away fans would be barred based on police advice, Maccabi reluctantly decided not to accept tickets for visiting supporters. Despite this, pro-Palestinian groups planned to stage protests, and there were some calls on social media for counter-demonstrations. West Midlands police announced a significant police presence in the centre of Birmingham, which has a large Muslim population, and around the stadium. “We are aware that protests by different groups will occur on the day, and we have plans in place to balance the right to protest with our duty to protect all communities in Birmingham,” said Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce. “People not attending the event should expect significant disruption to the roads in the area in the evening, and we urge people to avoid the area where possible.” Last November, more than 60 people were arrested in Amsterdam after clashes around a match between Maccabi and Ajax. Police reported that anti-Israeli gangs on scooters chased and beat Maccabi fans. Five people were treated in the hospital. Video verified by Reuters showed Maccabi fans chanting anti-Arab slogans in the days before the game. Police said Maccabi supporters burned a Palestinian flag, pulled down another, and vandalised a taxi. The mayor later announced she would not host Maccabi again. Britain has seen a sharp rise in antisemitism in recent years, and two Jewish worshippers were killed during an attack on a synagogue last month. The initial decision to bar Maccabi fans from the Villa game was opposed by the UK government, but the Israeli club decided to keep its fans away given the “toxic atmosphere.”
