West Midlands Police officers will be out in force in Birmingham this Thursday as the city prepares to host the Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv Europa League tie
A police presence ahead of Aston Villa’s UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16, second leg match, against Ajax, at Villa Park, in March 2024(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Police have issued an update on their plans for the Aston Villa versus Maccabi Tel Aviv later this week.
The Europa League tie is set to take place at Villa Park on Thursday, November 6, kicking off at 8pm.
Despite away fans being banned from attending, and the Israeli club, in any event, saying it would not take an allocation if the decision was reversed, there will still be a huge police presence on the day.
Read more: Police and council reveal new decision on Maccabi fans ban
Protests are planned at nearby Aston Pavilion on the night by the Birmingham Palestine Coalition, who want Israeli teams out of UEFA and FIFA competitions.
While West Midlands Police is also expecting protests by different groups to take place on the day.
The force has said it will conduct a ‘large policing operation’ to quell any potential trouble.
Close up of the Aston Villa (left) and Maccabi Tel Aviv club badges on a scarf before the Premier League match at Villa Park(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
And in readiness, it has said some 700 officers will be out in Birmingham ‘officers keeping the public safe and arresting anyone who engages in crime and disorder’.
There will also be police horses, dogs, road police and a drone unit all in attendance with those not attending the game advised to ‘avoid the area’.
There will also be a drone ban for members of the public on the afternoon and evening of the game.
A force spokesperson said: “As part of our operation to keep people safe, drones will be restricted from flying within a one nautical mile radius of Villa Park between 2pm and 11.59pm on 6 November.
“The drone-only restricted airspace (RA(T)) means that flying your drone in this area during this time will be a criminal offence.”
Read more: Inside Villa Maccabi ban row as Birmingham council leader reveals he ‘warned police chief not to’
Birmingham Police commander, 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.”
General view of Villa Park.(Image: PA)
Ch Supt Joyce continued: “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.
“People can expect to see a large number of uniformed officers, as well as police horses, police dogs, our drone unit, road policing unit, protest liaison officers and others.
“We will also be ensuring that we continue to provide the same great policing service to the whole of the West Midlands.
“People not attending the event should expect significant disruption to the roads in the area on the evening, and we’d urge people to avoid the area where possible.”
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The Birmingham police chief added: “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.”