Ahead of the match at Villa Park on Thursday night, Simon Foster has emphasised that the safety and security of everyone involved must remain the top priority.
More than 700 officers will be on duty for the match, with a protest set to take place near the stadium, while West Midlands Police have also said that Section 60 powers will be in place in certain parts of the city.
Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group announced last month that visiting fans will be barred from attending the match at Villa Park on public safety concerns.
Fans walk to Villa Park
The match is taking place with a heightened police presence. Photo: Nick Potts/PA
Maccabi later announced it would decline any away tickets for the clash after the Government said it was “working around the clock” to ensure fans from both sides could attend.
Mr Foster said: “Whatever one’s views about events, leading up to this evening’s football match, there is one matter and one matter alone, about which we must all agree. The safety and security of everyone involved, must be the one and only top priority.
“That includes the local community, fans attending the match, people exercising their right to peaceful protest, the players, team officials, club staff, police officers and staff and the wider West Midlands.
“I have been briefed on the police operation and I am holding West Midlands Police to account, to deliver on that top priority.
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PCC Simon Foster has said that safety must be the top priority ahead of the Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv game
“I commend the commitment, dedication, hard work and professionalism of police officers and staff, some of whom I am planning to meet with today, that has informed the planning and preparation of this police operation.
“I expect police officers and staff to implement the operation as planned - firmly but fairly - and to remain independent, objective and impartial and to act without fear or favour at all times - so as to deliver on that top priority.
“I remind everyone who is planning to attend the match, in whatever capacity, that we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that is disciplined, respectful, mindful of our duty of care to each other and that keeps us all safe and secure.
"That must be, our collective, one and only top priority.”