Six Arrests Made by West Midlands Police Ahead of Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Europa League Clash at Villa Park
Amidst escalating tensions, West Midlands Police have apprehended six individuals in preparation for the Europa League match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park. This measure follows a controversial ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the fixture, a decision driven by concerns over potential protests related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Background of the Fan Ban
Last month, local authorities prohibited Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending the match, prompting backlash from political figures, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The Israeli club subsequently decided not to sell tickets for the encounter.
- Event: Europa League match – Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
- Location: Villa Park
- Date: Thursday
- Banning of fans: Due to safety concerns
Police Operations and Arrests
In a significant police operation, more than 700 officers, including specialized units with horses, dogs, and drones, are stationed at Villa Park. This extensive deployment is a response to anticipated protests.
Details on the arrests are as follows:
- A 21-year-old man for not removing a face mask.
- A 17-year-old boy for ignoring a dispersal order.
- Three individuals apprehended for racially aggravated public order offenses.
- One person arrested for breach of the peace.
Coordination with Safety Advisory Groups
The decision to bar away fans stemmed from directions issued by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG), after consulting with West Midlands Police. SAGs, while pivotal in match safety certifications, lack legal authority to enforce bans independently.
The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) also contributed to the decision-making process by providing insights from prior incidents in Amsterdam, which informed the risks involved.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Statement
In a bid to clarify their stance, Maccabi Tel Aviv released a statement emphasizing the safety of their supporters. They indicated that, based on previous experiences, the club would not accept ticket allocations for away fans.
Key points from Maccabi Tel Aviv’s statement:
- The safety of fans is the club’s top priority.
- Previous lessons learned influenced their decision.
- The club appreciates support from the community but condemns the narratives vilifying their fanbase.
Ultimately, Maccabi Tel Aviv hopes for a resolution that will allow their fans to partake in a safe sporting environment in the future.
