Around 200 protesters gathered outside Villa Park on Thursday evening ahead of Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv, as tensions flared between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups.
Demonstrators, including members of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, assembled near a children’s play area beside the Trinity Road Stand, waving Palestinian flags and holding banners calling for a boycott of Israel. Chants in support of Gaza could be heard as police monitored the scene in large numbers.
At one stage, officers briefly formed a cordon to prevent a surge in the crowd after an Israeli flag was reportedly waved by a passer-by. Witnesses said the woman carrying the flag was guided by police into a nearby side street, where she was spoken to before leaving the area.
Confirmed Arrest Figures
Protests at Villa Park
West Midlands Police confirmed that six arrests were made during the protests around the Aston Villa clash in Birmingham. A 21-year-old man was detained for refusing to remove a face covering when ordered to do so, while a 17-year-old boy was arrested for failing to comply with a dispersal order. Three further individuals were arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offences, and another was taken into custody for breach of the peace.
Elsewhere, around 40 counter-protesters gathered nearby on a basketball court off Witton Lane, close to the Doug Ellis Stand. Some held Israeli flags and signs reading “Keep antisemitism out of football” as they voiced opposition to the ban preventing Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the match.
Both demonstrations took place under heavy police presence, with officers stationed around Villa Park to maintain order ahead of kick-off. Despite the charged atmosphere, the protests remained largely contained, with police swiftly intervening to separate groups when tensions escalated.
The fixture between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv has drawn international attention due to the past conflict in Gaza and concerns over potential unrest surrounding Israeli teams competing abroad. Authorities had earlier urged supporters to stay respectful and avoid confrontation.
The protests also had an impact on the wider community, with several local schools in the area choosing to close on Thursday as a precaution amid safety concerns and expected disruption around the stadium.
Police said patrols would continue in the area throughout the day to reassure residents and ensure public safety.
West Midlands Police initially drew criticism from UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer for not allowing Maccabi Tel Aviv fans to attend the match due to safety concerns. After much public debate, the club ultimately decided not to send fans to Birmingham, fearing the match would become a focal point for political tensions.