Birmingham Police Thanks Aston Villa Vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Match Running Smoothly

JAKARTA - West Midlands Police, Birmingham, thanked the surrounding community who helped smooth the Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv match at Villa Park in the Europa League match, Friday, November 7, 2025, early morning WIB.

As is known, the West Midlands Police deployed more than 700 officers to guard the potentially conflict match given the heat of the political situation between Israel and Palestine.

Operations oversaw the match went without major incidents, without serious disturbances, and without interruption in the match.

However, the police confirmed that there were a total of 11 arrests for violations in the region, including racial abuse against pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups.

On Friday, November 7, 2025, five people were still in custody, including a 21-year-old man accused of trying to throw flares on the ground and two 34- and 29-year-old men accused of racial abuse of public order after shouting abuse at pro-Israeli demonstrators.

Two people were warned and two others released without further action.

A 21-year-old man was charged with not removing his face covering when violating Article 60.

This significant police operation involved more than 700 officers from more than 20 police stations across the country.

"This operation has been carefully planned, with the aim of preventing crimes, disturbances, and disturbances to the game, as well as maintaining everyone's safety."

"This operation achieved its goal of keeping everyone present safe. This is thanks to the hard work of all officers and staff, from the West Midlands Police and other police officers across the country."

"People can use their rights to protest, while others come to enjoy football matches, and we have received some positive responses from the people present."

"Our efforts to listen to the complaints of Birmingham residents will continue. We remain proud to serve such diverse areas."

"We would like to thank the people who live inside and around Villa Park who have worked with us in preparation for the match."

"They submitted their complaints to us. We can respond to the complaint and make it part of our preparations for the day," Chief Inspector Tom Joyce, Birmingham Police Commander, on their official website.

The atmosphere inside the stadium was relatively calm when Aston Villa won, which helped them hope to qualify straight into the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Goals from the Dutch duo, Ian Maatsen and Donyell Malen, confirmed a 2-0 victory.

The match became a sharp spotlight after officials in Birmingham decided last month to ban visitors.

The decision was widely criticized, including by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, but was praised by another party, who said Maccabi's supporters had a recent history of violence.

West Midlands police say they consider the match to be at high risk based on the latest intelligence and previous incidents, including the violence and hate crimes that occurred when Maccabi Tel Aviv fought Ajax in Amsterdam last season.