US EditionUK police arrest 6 ahead of soccer match between Aston Villa and Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv
West Midlands Police arrested 11 people amid protests at Villa Park where Israeli fans were banned due to safety concerns after past fan violence and antisemitism fears.
- On Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, Aston Villa hosted a Europa League match at Villa Park without Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters after West Midlands Police barred them for safety reasons.
- After a risk assessment, West Midlands Police determined the fixture was high risk due to past Amsterdam incidents, while Birmingham Safety Advisory Group cited the Israel‑Gaza war and antisemitism fears.
- More than 700 officers, including police horses, dogs and drone unit, were deployed by West Midlands Police, who arrested 11 people the previous night and several for racially aggravated offences.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the ban was 'the wrong decision', while senior cabinet ministers arranged a meeting on Friday to consider reversing it.
- Campaigners pressed for a sports boycott, arguing UEFA and FIFA should ban Israeli clubs amid the Israel‑Gaza war, as recent incidents like the Oct. 19 Tel Aviv derby cancellation and Maccabi fans chanting 'death to Arabs' heightened risks.
42 Articles
42 Articles
Hooligans: English media reported that Amsterdam police warned colleagues in Birmingham about "hundreds of experienced fighters" among the Maccabi fans.
Security bolstered Israeli fans barred at Villa-Maccabi match
Security bolstered, Israeli fans barred at Villa-Maccabi match. Anti-Israel protesters gathered outside Villa Park ahead of the game even though no fans of the Israeli soccer club are expected inside the grounds. The post Security bolstered Israeli fans barred at Villa-Maccabi match appeared first on Jerusalem World News.
Aston Villa Vs Maccabi Tel Aviv, UEFA Europa League 2025-26: UK Police Arrest Six Protesters Ahead Of Controversial Match
Six arrests were made in Birmingham as Aston Villa faced Maccabi Tel Aviv in a UEFA Europa League match amidst pro-Palestinian protests, highlighting rising tensions
The game had already caused controversy earlier because the Birmingham authorities had prohibited Maccabi's adoption due to the demonstration of "significant levels of holiganism".
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