UK police braced for protests, clashes as Aston Villa host Maccabi Tel Aviv

"British police are deploying more than 700 officers in Birmingham, where local football club Aston Villa will host Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv in the UEFA Europa League three weeks after the home team's decision to bar travelling supporters from attending the match due to threats of violence. The group-stage match between Villa and Maccabi in the second-tier European competition will kick off at 20:00 GMT on Thursday, and a heavy police presence is expected around the stadium, in the city centre and surrounding areas."

"We know protests by different groups will take place on the day, and we have plans in place which balance the right to protest with our duty to protect all communities in Birmingham, Chief Superintendent of West Midlands police Tom Joyce said on the morning of the fixture. People not attending the event should expect significant disruption to the roads in the area on the evening, and we'd urge people to avoid the area where possible."

More than 700 officers are being deployed in Birmingham as Aston Villa hosts Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv in a UEFA Europa League group-stage match at Villa Park. The fixture was scheduled three weeks after Villa barred travelling Maccabi supporters over public safety concerns following threats of violence and previous clashes. Pro-Palestine groups including Game Over Israel, the Hind Rajab Foundation and Health Workers 4 Palestine plan protests calling for Israel's removal from FIFA. Palestinian flags and banners have been placed on motorway bridges near the stadium. West Midlands police warned of significant road disruption and urged people to avoid the area.

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