The controversial Europa League tie was never going to be a moment to ‘stick to football’
ASTON – Sport and politics just don’t mix. Sure, world leaders have long weaponised World Cups and Olympic Games. Yes, Colin Kaepernick taking a knee helped ignite a movement that transcended the NFL.
And of course, Fifa’s president Gianna Infantino was present at October’s Gaza peace summit in Egypt and is also set to hand out a new “peace prize” at December’s World Cup draw in Washington DC, where US president Donald Trump is expected to attend.
But apart from that, sport and politics just don’t mix.
So to Birmingham, and specifically Aston, a ward where Islam is the predominant religion – and so the war in Gaza is felt even more acutely – and where Aston Villa’s controversial Europa League tie against Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv went ahead on Thursday night.
Eleven arrests were made outside Villa Park, including three for racially aggravated public order offences, but fears the pro-Palestine and counter protests could escalate to the point of violence or a match postponement subsided amid a large police presence.
Soccer Football - UEFA Europa League - Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - November 6, 2025 Police officers react with protesters outside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
More than 700 police officers were outside Villa Park (Photo: Reuters)
Police officers escort a woman with an Israeli flag away from Pro-Palestinian protesters outside Villa Park in Birmingham on November 6, 2025 ahead of the UEFA Europa League league-stage football match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
Police officers escort a woman with an Israeli flag away from Pro-Palestinian protesters (Photo: AFP)
An Aston Villa fan with a half-and-half scarf outside the ground before the UEFA Europa League match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Picture date: Thursday November 6, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
An Aston Villa fan with a half-and-half scarf (Photo: PA)
Maccabi Tel Aviv were the first Israeli club to play in England since 2020, and therefore the first since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
And so while the views of those who simply wanted to attend the match and cheer their side on for 90 minutes were understandable, this was at odds with the fact Maccabi fans were banned from attending this fixture after Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group classified the game “high risk”. West Midlands Police cited concerns about “hooliganism” in the Maccabi fan base and also said the match was likely to attract protests, raising fears over whether travelling fans would be safe.
The decision was criticised by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer but never overturned, while Maccabi went on to confirm they would not accept an allocation anyway based on their own safety concerns.
Nevertheless, despite the absence of away fans more than 700 officers were deployed, with 25 other forces joining West Midlands Police. The i Paper arrived shortly before 2pm, where nearby schools were already filing out.
Posters appeared on lampposts overnight, including ones reading “No War Games Allowed”, “Give Zionism the Red Card” and “Shooting Babies in Gaza, Playing Games in Birmingham”.
By 6pm, hundreds of Pro-Palestine protesters were outside the Trinity Stand, while half-an-hour later Pro-Israel protesters gathered inside a basketball court near the Doug Ellis Stand.
A pro Israel supporter outside Villa Park, home of Aston Villa, before the UEFA Europa League match at Villa Park, Birmingham. The local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) opted to block Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending tonight's Europa League tie against Aston Villa following a risk assessment by West Midlands Police, a decision which drew immediate criticism from politicians including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Picture date: Thursday November 6, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jacob King/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
A pro-Israel supporter outside Villa Park (Photo: PA)
The i Paper witnessed minor incidents at both protests dealt with quickly by police. One woman waving an Israel flag near the Pro-Palestine group was quickly escorted away, while at the opposite end of the stadium police ushered away those looking to antagonise the counter protest.
The Pro-Israel group, led by Our Fight – who call themselves “a group of (mainly) non-Jews challenging British anti-Semitism” – was dozens strong, and were eventually led away from the stadium at 7.40pm – 20 minutes before kick-off.
Most vocal of all were match-going Villa fans themselves. The quips were plentiful with humour at the core of their message as they passed, directing “We just want to enjoy a football match,” “Go home,” and “Is that it?” at the Pro-Israel contingent.
“We’re just here to watch the football, mate,” was another, and this permeated into the stands come kick-off when supporters directed chants at the empty away section, including “Shall we sing a song for you!” and “It’s all gone quiet over there!”
Maccabi Tel-Aviv's Helio Varela in action in front of empty seats in the away stand during the UEFA Europa League match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Picture date: Thursday November 6, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
The empty seats inside Villa Park (Photo: PA)
Plenty though had taken a keen interest in the protests before heading in, suggesting there was some level of cut-through.
And on this a night where football and politics collided, the myriad takeaways include fears over what precedent this ban might set across the continent, and also what steps could possibly be taken to ensure all fans can safely attend a match where football takes centre stage.
The variables in play make guarantees difficult. There is no parallel world accessible where this match played out with Maccabi fans present, meaning we will never know what may have happened otherwise.
However, the police are likely to view six arrests as a success overall given the polarising views present.
And as for the football, a victory for Aston Villa. They won 2-0 thanks to goals either side of half-time – Ian Maatsen in first-half injury time and Donyell Malen from the spot just before the hour.
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