The officers were put into place to keep the peace as Aston Villa took on Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv in a controversial Europa League faceoff.
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Police officers outside Villa Park, home of Aston Villa, before the UEFA Europa League match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Photo: Jacob King/PA Wire
Eleven people have been arrested following the controversial face-off between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv
The face-off was met with a number of protests outside of the gates of Villa Park, with anti-Israel protestors being spotted prior to kick-off bearing slogans and broadcasting opposing antisemitism.
It is now known that a total of 11 people, all men and boys, were arrested during the night, with the youngest being 17-years-old.
Issuing details of the arrests, police said that a 63-year-old man was detained on suspicion of a racially aggravated public offence after he was allegedly heard shouting racist abuse during a road rage incident near Villa Park.
A 21-year-old man was arrested after refusing to remove a face covering while a Section 60 order was in place.
Campaign group Palestine Solidarity Campaign protesting on Trinity Road outside Villa Park. Photo: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
Protest groups were spotted clashing prior to the match
A 17-year-old boy was issued a dispersal order, but refused to leave.
A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after shouting abuse towards pro-Israel demonstrators. He was also arrested on suspicion of possession of class B drugs.
A 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after shouting racist abuse at a police officer.
A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after shouting racist abuse towards a pro-Palestine group.
A 21-year-old man was arrested after being seen trying to throw fireworks into the ground.
More than 700 police officers, as well as police dogs, horses and drone units, were station around the ground to keep the peace during the controversal match
More than 700 police officers, as well as police dogs, horses and drone units, were stationed around the ground to keep the peace during the controversial match
And another man, age unknown, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "Our officers are being supported by officers from up and down the country as part of mutual aid.
"This has definitely been one of the most contentious and controversial matches we've hosted for some time, but our priority, really clearly, is public safety.
"It's about protecting the communities that live in and around Aston Villa, and reassuring those communities who are potentially affected by the match."
In the days leading up to the fixture, a West Midlands Police Section 60 order (Stop and Search) was put into place, allowing officers to stop and search anyone in a specific area without the need to have reasonable grounds.
The order is usually used when there is a risk of serious violence. Drones were also restricted from flying around the stadium.
The Section 60 powers remained in place until 3am this morning.