Maccabi Tel Aviv fans banned from attending Europa League tie against Aston Villa on Thursday before the Israeli club declined the away ticket allocation; more than 700 police are present at Villa Park; six arrests made ahead of fixture

Thursday 6 November 2025 20:07, UK

Image: Over 700 police officers are on duty at Villa Park

West Midlands Police have made six arrests as part of their operation ahead of Aston Villa's Europa League fixture with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Last month, Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were banned from attending Thursday's match at Villa Park due to safety concerns, which drew immediate criticism from politicians, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The Israeli club later said in a statement they would not sell tickets to their fans for the match.

The decision to ban supporters was based on concerns from West Midlands Police about its ability to deal with potential protests relating to the war in Gaza.

Police have arrested a man, 21, for failing to comply with an order to remove a face...