Ahead of Aston Villa’s home game against Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park, hundreds of police officers from at least 10 different forces have been deployed to ensure safety and security. The operation comes amid planned protests following the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending matches and the club’s subsequent withdrawal of ticket allocations.
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What Happened
A large-scale police operation has been launched in Birmingham as Aston Villa prepares to face Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 6, 2025. With growing tensions surrounding the ban on Israeli club fans, police are preparing for potential protests and unrest outside Villa Park.
Officers have been called in from across the UK — including Devon, Dorset, and the Metropolitan Police — to support local efforts. According to Deputy Superintendent Tom Joyce, Birmingham Police Commander, the deployment is one of the largest cooperative policing operations seen in recent football events.
“We’ve got at least 10 forces on mutual aid,” Joyce said in an interview with ITV News Central. “It’s a proper team effort. All officers have been briefed to maintain good community relations, facilitate lawful protests, and above all, to create a friendly and reassuring presence.”
Planned Protests and Public Safety
Protests are expected around Villa Park, with demonstrators expressing both support and opposition to Maccabi Tel Aviv’s decision to withhold ticket sales after the fan ban. Some protesters were seen waving national flags and holding signs outside the stadium to voice political opinions tied to the match.
To prevent disturbances, police barricades and vans have been strategically placed around the venue. The primary goal of the operation is to allow peaceful demonstrations while protecting fans, players, and staff.
Superintendent Joyce emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward any unlawful activity:
“If there are individuals or groups who have ulterior motives and want to cause trouble or break the law, they will be dealt with directly,” he stated.
Drone Ban and Security Measures
As part of the heightened security, authorities have issued a temporary drone exclusion zone around Villa Park. Drones are banned within one nautical mile of the stadium between 4:00 PM and 11:59 PM on match day. Any violation of this restriction will be treated as a criminal offense.
Officials urged the public to exercise their rights peacefully, reminding everyone that security measures are in place to protect all attendees and residents in the area.
Official Statements and Ongoing Efforts
Superintendent Joyce reaffirmed that the operation’s main goal is to ensure public safety and maintain a positive atmosphere during the match.
“We want everyone to enjoy the match and get home safely,” Joyce said. “Our role is not to stop the game, but to prevent any situation that could force such a recommendation.”
Police have coordinated with local authorities, Aston Villa officials, and community leaders to prevent disruption and maintain calm. Despite the politically sensitive nature of the protests, authorities continue to emphasize peaceful expression and lawful conduct.
Conclusion: Safety and Order Take Priority
The heavy police presence at Villa Park underscores the importance of balancing public safety with freedom of expression during high-profile international matches. As the game unfolds, authorities remain vigilant, aiming to ensure that fans, players, and demonstrators alike can participate safely and responsibly.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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