UPDATE: Significant protests erupted near Villa Park last night during the Europa League match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv, leading to the arrest of 11 individuals, including a minor. Tensions escalated as demonstrators clashed with police, prompting a heavy law enforcement presence in Birmingham.
According to West Midlands Police, around 200 protesters, primarily from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, gathered near the stadium to demand Israel’s exclusion from international football. The protesters displayed Palestinian flags and banners, voicing their call for a boycott of Israel right before the match commenced on October 26, 2023.
The situation intensified when several missiles were allegedly thrown at police officers. Authorities confirmed that the arrested individuals faced various charges, mainly related to racially aggravated offenses. Among those detained was a 17-year-old boy who ignored a dispersal order and a 21-year-old man attempting to launch fireworks into the stadium.
Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce, Birmingham Police Commander, stated, “
Our priority, really clearly, is public safety.
” He noted that officers from across the country were deployed to manage the situation, making the event one of the most contentious matches in recent memory.
Prior to kick-off, five flatbed vehicles drove past Villa Park displaying electronic billboards that condemned antisemitism, including messages like “Ban hatred not fans” alongside a Star of David and a quote from Thierry Henry emphasizing football’s role in uniting people.
While violence was avoided, confrontations were reported, leading to the arrests of individuals for a variety of offenses. These included a 63-year-old man charged with a racially aggravated public order offense for shouting racist abuse during a road rage incident, and a 34-year-old man arrested for directing abuse at pro-Israel demonstrators.
West Midlands Police underscored the importance of balancing the right to protest with public safety, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining order during the match.
In the match itself, Aston Villa, currently struggling in the Premier League, managed to secure a 2-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv, but the focus remained on the protests outside the stadium.
As the situation develops, authorities are urging the public to remain peaceful and respectful, reminding them of the legal boundaries surrounding protests. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.
