11 arrests as protests surround Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv match

More than 700 officers from 25 police forces were deployed amid concerns of clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups. The fixture had already drawn controversy after Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group, on police advice, banned Maccabi supporters from attending, citing safety risks. The decision was criticised by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, but police defended the move as "necessary and proportionate."

Outside the stadium, several hundred pro-Palestinian demonstrators waved flags and called for a boycott of Israel over the war in Gaza, while a smaller group of pro-Israeli protesters nearby carried signs reading "Keep antisemitism out of football."

Police said arrests included five for racially aggravated public order offences, one for trying to throw fireworks, and others for drug, mask, and dispersal-order violations. Section 60 stop-and-search powers were in place across parts of Birmingham throughout the evening.

Despite tensions outside, the match itself passed largely without incident. Villa Park implemented strict ticketing rules and prohibited political banners. The absence of away fans left empty seats in the Doug Ellis Stand, though both teams were applauded onto the pitch, and Villa won 2–0 with goals from Ian Maatsen and Donyell Malen.

West Midlands Police said intelligence linked to previous violence involving Maccabi supporters influenced the ban. Maccabi Tel Aviv rejected that claim, saying the club had voluntarily declined its ticket allocation due to safety fears and condemned "hate-filled falsehoods" about its fan base.

Local MP Ayoub Khan joined pro-Palestinian demonstrators, while community groups such as the Punjabi Villans urged calm. Villa supporter Adam Selway, wearing a half-and-half scarf, summed up the sentiment of many fans: "It's not about politics—it's about football."