Mansfield Green E-ACT Primary Academy is one of what is understood to be a number of schools in the Aston area which are set to close early ahead of the Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv match
A general view of the entrance to Mansfield Green E-ACT Primary Academy in Albert Road, Aston (Image: Google)
A school in Birmingham has confirmed it is closing early ahead of the Aston Villa versus Maccabi Tel Aviv match.
The controversial Europa League tie is set to take place at Villa Park on Thursday (November 6) night.
There are heightened tensions involving a ban on away fans by the multi agency Villa Safety Advisory Group, which led to a backlash, but remains in place.
Read more: Aston Villa v Maccabi policing update as hundreds of officers to take to streets
Police have revealed some five protest groups, representing both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups are expected, along with a huge police presence of some 700 police officers to keep football fans and locals safe.
But despite the huge policing operation and the contingencies being put in place, schools in Aston are set to shut early.
One which will be closing its gates ahead of the usual school finishing time of 3.15pm is Mansfield Green E-ACT Primary Academy in Albert Road, just over half-a-mile from Villa Park.
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)
The school sent out a message to parents which said: “Good morning, due to the Villa match tomorrow November 6 th , the school will be closing early.
“The gates will be open for you to collect your children at 2pm. Thank you.”
According to the Daily Telegraph, BOA Creative, Digital & Performing Arts Academy, is also due to shut early at 1.15pm with the principal said to have emailed parents and said a number of schools in the area would be closing early due to the planned protests.
The school’s social media pages confirm the principal’s online presentation, due to take place on Thursday, has been postponed a week to 5pm on Thursday, November 13.
Read more: Police and council reveal new decision on Maccabi fans ban
Former Labour MP, Lord Ian Austin, crticised schools closing early and posted on X saying: “Local politicians and community leaders should be doing everything they can to improve education in areas like Aston and Lozells.
“Not inflaming tensions and calling for boycotts, bans and protests that result in schools being closed early. What a disgrace.”
Villa Park in Birmingham(Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)
A spokeswoman from E-ACT Mansfield Green Academy said: “Following advice from the local authority regarding possible congestion and local disruption, E-ACT Mansfield Green Academy will close 1 hour 15 minutes early on Thursday, 6 November.
“Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of all pupils.
“Other schools in the area are taking similar precautions, and we thank parents and carers for their understanding.”