Major Police Operation for Europa League Match
West Midlands Police have arrested six individuals in connection with a high-risk Europa League football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa on Thursday, 6th November 2025. A significant security operation involving more than 700 police officers was implemented amid substantial concerns over potential disorder and the highly charged atmosphere surrounding the fixture.
Controversy and Security Measures
The lead-up to the European clash was dominated by controversy, resulting in a ban on away supporters from attending the match at Villa Park. Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group imposed the restriction last month following serious public safety concerns. Although the government stated it would work to facilitate attendance for both sets of fans, Maccabi Tel Aviv later announced it would decline any ticket allocation, even if the ban was reversed.
In a statement released on the evening of the match, West Midlands Police detailed the arrests. A 21-year-old man was arrested for failing to comply with an order to remove a face mask, while a 17-year-old boy was detained for failing to comply with a dispersal order. The force also arrested three people for racially aggravated public order offences and a further individual for a breach of the peace.
Protests and Community Tensions
Close to the stadium, on a basketball court near the Doug Ellis Stand, a protest gathered approximately 40 people. One demonstrator carried an Israeli flag, while others held posters with messages such as "keep antisemitism out of football". The protest was organised to oppose the ban on Maccabi fans attending the match.
Reverend Tim Gutmann, founder of Christian Action Against Antisemitism, addressed the crowd. He described the protest as a stand against "an ancient hate and an ancient evil that hasn't stopped, and has again risen in our time." Holding a placard that read "Never Again Is Now", he emphasised the importance of the moment, stating, "We cannot have no-go zones for Israeli football fans. We can't have no-go zones for Jewish people."
The large-scale police presence and pre-emptive arrests underscore the heightened security measures taken to manage the Europa League clash and prevent any escalation of tensions linked to the ongoing geopolitical situation.
