West Midlands Police are preparing for a challenging evening on Thursday, November 6, as Aston Villa hosts Israeli football team Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park. Intelligence reports indicate the potential for up to five separate protests involving both pro-Palestine and pro-Israel groups around the match.
Authorities have been closely monitoring the situation and have identified planned demonstrations that could bring together diverse activists, including concerns over possible attendance by far-right figures like Tommy Robinson, although he has stated he will not be present.
In anticipation, the police have mobilized approximately 700 officers, including reinforcements from other regions, to maintain order and public safety. They are prepared to exercise Section 60 powers if necessary, allowing stop-and-search measures and restrictions on face coverings, but have ruled out using automatic facial recognition technologies. Independent observers will oversee police operations, and community representatives will be consulted continuously.
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The Aston Villa Safety Advisory Group, led by Birmingham City Council, recently upheld the ban on away supporters due to previous incidents of violence and hate crimes linked to Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, notably a 2024 event in Amsterdam. Despite the ban, concerns persist that away fans may still attempt to attend, contributing to an elevated risk profile.
Previous pro-Palestine protests in the area have been peaceful and well-organized; however, this occasion marks the first time active counter-protests are anticipated, raising the complexity of crowd management.
The initial announcement of the away fan ban drew criticism for its lack of clarity, provoking misunderstanding and some media and political backlash against the Muslim community. Officials have since committed to delivering more transparent communication to build public trust.
The decision to prohibit away supporters has sparked a significant backlash, with accusations of antisemitism leveled at the police and organizers, including condemnation from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called the ban “the wrong decision” and reaffirmed the need to protect all fans from violence and intimidation.
Multiple organizations, including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop the War Coalition, Muslim Association of Britain, Friends of Al-Aqsa, Kashmir Solidarity Campaign, and Palestinian Forum in Britain, have organized coordinated protests. Activists gathered recently in Balsall Heath to prepare banners opposing the Israeli club’s participation in European competitions following the Israel-Hamas conflict. Plans also include a banner drop from a prominent Birmingham bridge reading “Kick Israel out of FIFA.”
West Midlands Police reaffirm their dedication to balancing the right to protest with maintaining public safety throughout this high-tension event.