Tension flared in Birmingham on Thursday night as protests and arrests marred Aston Villa’s UEFA Europa Conference League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv of Israel.
The fixture at Villa Park was played without Israeli away fans after local police barred their attendance, citing concerns over potential crowd trouble linked to past hooligan incidents, including violent clashes in Amsterdam.
Despite the security restrictions, around 200 pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the stadium carrying anti-Zionism placards. Police confirmed that six people were arrested following disturbances near the venue.
Authorities deployed over 700 officers across the area as part of heightened security operations.
The decision to restrict Israeli supporters drew mixed reactions.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly criticised the fan ban, calling it “unfair,” while local Birmingham officials defended it as a necessary step to maintain public safety in the city’s diverse communities.
The match proceeded under strict security supervision, with no major disruptions reported inside the stadium.
