Aston Villa Vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Duel In The Europa League Will Be Guarded By 700 Police

More than 700 police officers will be deployed to ensure public security as Aston Villa faces Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League on Friday, November 7, 2025, early morning WIB.

Residents living near Villa Park have been warned of significant disruptions due to security guard during matches.

The Israeli club supporters were initially barred from entering before Maccabi decided not to sell tickets to them for security reasons.

Pro-Palestinian groups have called for the match to be canceled. With the upcoming protests, senior officers from the West Midlands Police have warned spectators of their behavior.

"Anyone who violates the law will be handled directly, as will those who spread hatred."

"We have collaborated with various partners, including the Birmingham City Council, Aston Villa, and our colleagues on other emergency services, in carrying out significant security guarding operations."

"The public can witness large numbers of uniformed officers, as well as police horses, police dogs, our drone units, highway police units, protest liaison officers, and others."

"We will also ensure that we continue to provide equally good police services to the entire West Midlands."

"We know protests by various groups will occur that day. We have plans that balance the right to protest with our obligation to protect all communities in Birmingham."

"We are experienced in overseeing football matches and high-level demonstrations. For weeks we have worked closely with various religious groups and local communities to listen to their views and concerns."

"Our goal during this match planning is to ensure people can enjoy this football game, while we continue to keep everyone safe in Birmingham, facilitate peaceful protests, and maintain the peace of the King," said Birmingham Police Commander, Chief Inspector Tom Joyce.

The Security Adviser Group (SAG), which is responsible for issuing security certificates for each game at Villa Park, decided not to allow away fans to attend the match following a risk assessment by the West Midlands Police.

However, the decision drew criticism from politicians including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

However, Maccabi Tel Aviv later announced that they would turn down a ticket offer due to the atmosphere caused by the initial decision.