Police thank community after successful Aston Villa-Maccabi Tel Aviv operation

West Midlands Police have thanked the local community after the Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv match passed without major incident.

More than 700 police officers from more than 20 forces around the country were deployed amid a huge security operation involving police horses, dogs and a drone unit ahead of planned pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protests.

West Midlands Police confirmed on Friday there had been no major incidents, no serious disorder and no disruption to the game, and updated earlier figures to confirm there had been 10 arrests in the area around Villa Park.

Five of those arrested remained in custody on Friday, the force said, including a 21-year-old man who tried to throw fireworks into the stadium.

The individuals in custody also included two men aged 34 and 29 accused of racially-aggravated public order offences after shouting abuse at pro-Israel demonstrators.

Two people were cautioned and two were released without further action, while a 21-year-old was charged for refusing to remove a face covering during a Section 60 inspection.

Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce, of Birmingham Police, said: “A huge amount of planning went into the operation, with the aim of preventing crime and disorder and disruption to the game.

“The operation achieved its aims of keeping everyone in attendance safe, and this is down to the hard work of all the officers and staff, from West Midlands Police and other forces around the country.

“We’d like to thank the people living in and around Aston who have worked (with) us closely in the build-up to the game.”

Maccabi fans were banned from attending the match by the local Safety Advisory Group, based on a police risk assessment.

The force were urged to review that assessment by the Government, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying it was “wrong” to bar away fans.

Maccabi said on October 20 that even if the decision was changed, they would not accept any tickets. Earlier this week, Joyce told Sky News the decision to bar them was based on the fact that “a section” of their fanbase “engage in quite significant levels of hooliganism”.

A pro-Palestine protest was held outside the stadium before kick-off, where hundreds turned up with Palestinian flags and anti-Israeli banners.

Speeches called for an end to violence in Gaza and for Israel’s expulsion from UEFA and the Eurovision Song Contest.

There was a flashpoint as a woman holding an Israeli flag walked past but she was quickly escorted away by police.

A pro-Israeli protest at the other side of Villa Park saw protesters holding up signs reading “Keep antisemitism out of football”, while five flatbed vehicles were driven carrying electronic billboards showing messages opposing antisemitism.

Some Villa fans chanted the name of political activist Tommy Robinson as they walked past the pro-Palestine protest, with police quickly intervening.

Villa had implemented a strict ticketing policy, which only allowed people with a previous purchase history to buy them. Fans were also warned against displaying flags or political banners as per UEFA regulations, a request that was adhered to throughout.

It was cordial between the two teams before kick-off as the stadium announcer encouraged Villa fans to give their visitors a warm welcome, while the hosts walked out with mascots dressed in the Maccabi colours.

The absence of away fans was highlighted by a large swathe of empty seats in the Doug Ellis Stand, but fears there would be trouble in the ground soon passed.

Villa coasted to a 2-0 win, which aids their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages directly.