Anxiety is spreading through the Aston community ahead of Aston Villa’s Europa League fixture against Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, with local residents and business owners voicing concerns about the potential for unrest. More than 700 police officers, as well as police horses, dogs, and drones, will be deployed around Villa Park due to intelligence about potential protests and violent clashes, as reported by West Midlands police.
The match has already sparked significant controversy, following the decision by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group to ban Maccabi fans from attending the game. This decision was based on safety grounds, as police categorized the fixture as “high risk” due to previous incidents of violence and hate crimes, including clashes involving Maccabi fans during a 2024 Europa League match in Amsterdam. However, the ban has faced criticism from various quarters, with some seeing it as a concession to antisemitism. Key political figures, including Keir Starmer, have publicly opposed the ban, calling it the “wrong” decision.
Local businesses, including Abul Lase’s accountancy firm, have become focal points for the growing tension, with several displaying posters supporting the planned pro-Palestine rally. Though Lase does not plan to attend the protest, he has noted the heightened anxiety in the area. “There’s a lot of nervousness around here,” he said, adding that many local residents do not want the match to proceed, citing the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
Meanwhile, some residents have voiced their disapproval of Maccabi fans based on past incidents involving violent behavior. Afsar Miah, an Aston resident, believes that the match should not go ahead due to broader social issues and has plans to attend the protest in support of Palestine.
The police’s strategy to address these concerns includes significant planning, with assistance from local community groups to manage protests and ensure safety. However, many in Aston fear that the presence of Maccabi fans, coupled with the ongoing protests, could escalate tensions.
Shah Zaman, a 76-year-old local, also spoke out against the ban, arguing that it was unfair to prevent Maccabi fans from attending. “Everybody has the right to enjoy the game, whatever country is playing,” he said.
As the game approaches, there is a sense of trepidation in the community, with some fearing that the situation could get worse due to the heightened police presence and the tension surrounding the protests. The city remains on edge as both the football match and protests loom large on the horizon.
