Police braced for clashes as protests begin ahead of Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv | OneFootball

Protests are taking place near Villa Park as Aston Villa take on Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv

More than 700 officers have been deployed for Aston Villa’s Europa League clash with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv as protests take place near the stadium.

The protest group began demonstrating at 6pm, a short distance from Villa Park, with the Telegraph reporting that there were chants of “front the river to the sea” and “death, death to the IDF” outside the stadium.

Palestinian flags and banners calling for a boycott of Israel had also been placed on the ground beside Trinity Road.

Police officers briefly formed a cordon to prevent a surge of protesters after an Israeli flag was reportedly waved by a passer-by.

Witnesses said the woman was ushered into a side street and spoken to by police before leaving the area.

Addressing the crowds Ayoub Khan, MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, said childrens and families had come out to “support the plight of the Palestinians”.

He added: “We have shown that we are a welcoming community, that we want to support footballers. But we don’t support hooligans and we don’t support genocide.”

Five flatbed vehicles were later driven past the ground before kick-off, carrying electronic billboards showing messages opposing antisemitism.

One of the messages, beside a Star of David, read “Ban hatred not fans” while another carried a quote from Thierry Henry saying football is not about goals but bringing people together.

Villa supporter Adam Selway arrived for the match wearing a half-and-half scarf in the colours of the home side and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The 48-year-old said he was not making any political statement, felt sympathy with fans unable to attend and simply wanted to watch a football match.

“It’s not about politics, it’s about football,” he said. “It’s not the Villa fans that don’t want anyone here – the Villa fans want the away fans here.”

Ahead of the demonstration, the PSC said in a statement: “Israeli football is deeply involved in Israel’s oppression of Palestinians.

“The Israel Football Association, of which Maccabi Tel Aviv is a member, contains at least six clubs based in illegal Israeli settlements on stolen Palestinian land.

“Maccabi Tel Aviv has itself supported Israel’s genocide in Gaza by sending care packages to serving Israeli soldiers.”

Palestine flags were also put up on the motorway near Villa Park ahead of the match, with one sign reading “kick Israel out of Fifa”.

A counter-protest was also planned as a “gesture of solidarity” with the Israeli club and fans who have been prevented from attending.

Last month, Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group announced Maccabi Tel Aviv fans would be barred from attending the match at Villa Park due to public safety concerns.

The Government had said it was “working around the clock” to ensure fans from both sides could attend.

West Midlands Police said a “large policing operation” will be in place for the Europa League match and insisted that anyone who engages in crime or disorder will be arrested.

Section 60 powers came into force at midday, giving the force more powers for stop and searches and will remain in place until 3am on Friday.

Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce, said: “Our message to those from all communities in Birmingham is that we have listened and will continue to engage with you.

“We remain committed to maintaining the city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

“Anyone who breaks the law will be dealt with directly, as will those who incite hate.“We have been working closely with partners including Birmingham City Council, Aston Villa Football Club, our colleagues in other emergency services, as we put in place our significant policing operation.”

The Ch Supt added that there will be a large number of uniformed officers as well as police horses, dogs and a drone unit.

A road policing unit and protest liaison officers have also been deployed by West Midlands Police.

Mr Joyce continued: “We know protests by different groups will take place on the day, and we have plans in place which balance the right to protest with our duty to protect all communities in Birmingham.

“We are experienced at policing high profile football matches and demonstrations, and for many weeks now, we have been working closely with different faith and local community groups to listen to their views and concerns.

“Our goal throughout planning for this match is to ensure people can enjoy the football fixture while we continue to keep everyone in Birmingham safe, facilitate peaceful protest and maintain the King’s peace.”