British police arrested 10 people around the charged Europa League tie between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Birmingham, with five remaining in custody on allegations including racially aggravated public order offences and an attempted fireworks offence. Over 700 officers were deployed as pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations took place outside Villa Park. Visiting Maccabi fans had been barred amid safety concerns, and Maccabi declined any away tickets. The events unfolded against rising worries about antisemitism in Britain and calls for sporting boycotts related to the Gaza war.
10 Arrested After Tensions Flare at Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv — Visiting Fans Barred
British police arrested 10 people around the charged Europa League tie between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Birmingham, with five remaining in custody on allegations including racially aggravated public order offences and an attempted fireworks offence. Over 700 officers were deployed as pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations took place outside Villa Park. Visiting Maccabi fans had been barred amid safety concerns, and Maccabi declined any away tickets. The events unfolded against rising worries about antisemitism in Britain and calls for sporting boycotts related to the Gaza war.
17:39, 07.11.2025Conflict
Police detain 10 after charged Europa League tie at Villa Park
British police say 10 people were arrested on the night of the Europa League fixture in Birmingham between Premier League side Aston Villa and Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv, a match for which visiting supporters were barred. West Midlands Police said the match itself passed without major disruption.
Custody and alleged offences: Five of the 10 arrested remain in custody. Authorities said the detainees include two men accused of racially aggravated public order offences and another man accused of attempting to throw fireworks onto the ground.
Large police presence: More than 700 officers were deployed around Villa Park amid concerns about clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups. West Midlands Police described the fixture as high risk "based on current intelligence and previous incidents," citing disturbances connected to a previous Maccabi away tie in Amsterdam.
Protests and flashpoints: A pro-Palestine demonstration outside the stadium drew hundreds carrying Palestinian flags and banners critical of Israel. A tense moment occurred when a woman carrying an Israeli flag walked past the protest; officers quickly escorted her away before the situation escalated.
On the opposite side of Villa Park, a pro-Israel counter-demonstration displayed placards reading "Keep antisemitism out of football." Five vehicles passed the ground carrying electronic billboards with messages opposing antisemitism, one reading "Ban hatred not fans" beside a Star of David and another quoting French footballer Thierry Henry on football's power to unite people.
Visiting fans and reactions: Birmingham officials had decided last month to ban visiting Maccabi supporters from attending the match. The decision drew criticism from some figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while others defended the measure, citing concerns about past violence involving some away fans. In response to the controversy, Maccabi announced it would decline any away ticket allocation.
Broader context: The ban and the arrests come amid heightened concern about antisemitism in the U.K. following a deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue last month and amid calls for a sports boycott of Israel over the war in Gaza. Authorities and campaigners warned that hopes the recent ceasefire would calm tensions had so far proved premature.
Match result: Aston Villa won the game 2-0. West Midlands Police said the match itself concluded without major incident or disruption to play.