The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) has called for the fixture to be cancelled and for Israel to be excluded from international football.
The protest group began demonstrating at 6pm, a short distance from Villa Park stadium.
More than 700 officers have been deployed for Aston Villa’s Europa League clash with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv as protests take place near the stadium.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) has called for the fixture to be cancelled and for Israel to be excluded from international football.
The protest group began demonstrating at 6pm, a short distance from Villa Park stadium.
Ahead of the demonstration, the PSC said in a statement: “Israeli football is deeply involved in Israel’s oppression of Palestinians.
“The Israel Football Association, of which Maccabi 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.”
A counter-protest was also planned as a “gesture of solidarity” with the Israeli club and fans who have been prevented from attending.Last month, Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group announced Maccabi Tel Aviv fans would be barred from attending the match at Villa Park due to public safety concerns.
The decision led to backlash from the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer who called for the ban to be overturned, insisting it was “the wrong decision”.
The Government had said it was “working around the clock” to ensure fans from both sides could attend.
West Midlands Police said a “large policing operation” will be in place for the Europa League match and insisted that anyone who engages in crime or disorder will be arrested.
Section 60 powers came into force at midday, giving the force more powers for stop and searches and will remain in place until 3am on Friday.
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.“We have been working closely with partners including Birmingham City Council, Aston Villa Football Club, our colleagues in other emergency services, as we put in place our significant policing operation.”
The Ch Supt added that there will be a large number of uniformed officers as well as police horses, dogs and a drone unit.
A road policing unit and protest liaison officers have also been deployed by West Midlands Police.
Mr Joyce continued: “We know protests by different groups will take place on the day, and we have plans in place which balance the right to protest with our duty to protect all communities in Birmingham.
“We are experienced at policing high profile football matches and demonstrations, and for many weeks now, we have been working closely with different faith and local community groups to listen to their views and concerns.
“Our goal throughout planning for this match is to ensure people can enjoy the football fixture while we continue to keep everyone in Birmingham safe, facilitate peaceful protest and maintain the King’s peace.”