Several protests against the ongoing war in Gaza are expected before the kick-off of the Europa League game on Thursday evening.
Local school the BOA Creative, Digital and Performing Arts Academy said it would close at 1.15pm ahead of the match.
The school’s principal told parents in an email that “a number of schools in the local area” were would be doing the same ahead of the planned protests.
Another school, Mansfield Primary Academy, which is less than a mile from the stadium, also said it would be closing at 2pm “due to the Villa match”.
This comes after protest group Palestine Solidarity Campaign announced it will protest the match to demand Israel be excluded from international football.
In a statement, the group said: “Israeli football is deeply involved in Israel’s oppression of Palestinians.
“The Israel Football Association, of whichMaccabi Tel Aviv is a member, contains at least six clubs based in illegal Israeli settlements on stolen Palestinian land.
“Maccabi Tel Aviv has itself supported Israel’s genocide in Gaza by sending care packages to serving Israeli soldiers.”
Lord Austin, UK trade envoy to Israel, spoke out against the decision on social media. Writing on X, he said: “Local politicians and community leaders should be doing everything they can to improve education in areas like Aston and Lozells,
“Not inflaming tensions and calling for boycotts, bans and protests that result in schools being closed early. What a disgrace.”
Police have said that closures were not in any way informed by their advice.
A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council has said they have not been aware of any school closures due to the match.
The match will be policed by 700 officers despite the pre-existing ban on away fans.
Police horses and dogs will be on standby, with additional officers in a “large policing operation.”
The Football Unit of the West Midlands Police said it will be enforcing “multiple ticket checks on the approach to the stadium”.
A red-alert will be issued for offices as protests are expected from all sides, including pro-Palestine, pro-Israel and possibly British nationalist groups.
There is also expected to be a strong police presence at local Aston and Whitton train stations, with the intention of keeping opposing groups apart to reduce hostilities.
Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has said his focus is on the game and leading his team to a win after a shock loss at Go Ahead Eagles two weeks ago.
Last month, Birmingham’s council-led Safety Advisory Group consulted with police to announce that Maccabi fans will not be able to attend the Europa League game.
The decision was informed by events at previous Maccabi European games, including one last season in Amsterdam, which raised concerns around the match being possibly “high risk”.
The SAG cited incidents at previous Maccabi European games, including in Amsterdam last season, arguing that it made the match “high risk” and that a ban on travelling fans was required.
Keir Starmer, his government and the opposition have opposed the move.
Last month, Maccabi said in a statement that fans would no longer be safe at the upcoming match due to “hate-filled falsehoods” and a “toxic atmosphere” expected at the game. The club said that it would ensure Israeli fans are blocked from buying tickets, even if the ban is lifted.
Fears have been sparked around Tommy Robinson supporters infiltrating the game. Robinson took to social media to ask: “Who’s coming to support Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park?”
Villa Park sits in an area of Birmingham with a large Muslim community, and its local MP, Independent Ayoub Khan, has supported the ban on away fans, calling it a “moral issue” as opposed to one of safety.
Police have announced that they intend to “balance the right to protest with our duty to protect all communities” but anticipate the protests will impact the game’s attendance.
Birmingham police commander Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce said: “Our message to those from all communities in Birmingham is that we have listened and will continue to engage with you.
“We remain committed to maintaining the city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
“Anyone who breaks the law will be dealt with directly, as will those who incite hate.”
Villa confirmed that tickets will only be sold to fans with a history of attending matches, and the away stands will remain empty.