Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Friday, 07 November 2025, 09:28 / Updated Friday, 07 November 2025 09:35
Aston Villa won the Europa League match with Maccabi Tel Avivscore 2-0, but numerous incidents took place in the streets around the arena.
At Villa Park, Aston Villa had no headache with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Maatsen opened the score at the end of the first half (45+1), Malen closed the scoreboard from the penalty, in the 59th minute. The real problems were the police, outside the stadium!
More than 700 policemen acted in the area
Although Israeli fans were not allowed at the match, there were protests in the streets around the arena. More than 700 police were deployed to the area to maintain order, with mounted officers and canine units involved. The authorities made 11 arrests,
Police on horseback, in front of the “Villa Park” stadium / Photo: Imago
The offenses of which those arrested, mature men and teenagers aged 17 to 67, were guilty: attempted firecrackers, possession of Class B drugs and racial slurs.
Banner displayed by pro-Palestinians: “Zionists are not welcome”
Groups of masked men displayed signs reading “Zionists are not welcome” in certain areas of the city in the hours leading up to the game. Several protest groups targeted the match with demonstrations that broke out shortly before the kick-off whistle and continued throughout.
Anti-Israel slogans were displayed in the area around “Villa Park” by masked men as fears grew that violence would spill over into the streets. Nearby schools closed their doors early as a “significant” operation was launched to “keep everyone in Birmingham safe”.
The police managed to keep the groups of protesters at bay
Pro-Palestine protesters made their feelings clear by displaying signs, posters and flags outside the stadium before the match. During the game, hundreds of pro-Palestine supporters gathered outside a grandstand, where they waved Palestinian flags and listened to several speeches. Police vans and a line of anti-terror officers kept the crowd away from the entrance.
And a counter-protest of about 100 pro-Israel supporters marched under police escort to the entrance at the opposite end of the arena. Protesters gathered on a fenced basketball court next to the stadium, surrounded by police. Several shouted “Hamas baby killers” at a single pro-Palestine supporter nearby.
