Eleven Arrested in Pro-Palestine and Israeli Protest Clash

Pro-Palestine and Israel Supporters Clash Ahead of Match in Birmingham

Pro-Palestine and pro-Israel supporters faced off ahead of the Europa League match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Birmingham, resulting in 11 arrests. The tensions unfolded as fans of both sides gathered outside the stadium, leading to a chaotic scene that overshadowed the football match itself.

The clash began when some Aston Villa supporters reacted angrily to the presence of pro-Palestine campaigners. Around 50 fans chanted Villa’s traditional songs, while others supported far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The confrontation took place near the Trinity Road Stand, where about 100 demonstrators held a loud protest, shouting “free, free Palestine.”

Missiles were thrown into the opposing fan groups as police on horseback intervened to break up the clashes. Chants of "Rule Britannia" were directed at the protesters, who responded with slogans like “Death to the IDF.” Fireworks and flares were set off during the incident, adding to the chaos.

11 Arrests Made Outside the Stadium

Several individuals were arrested following the disturbances:

• A 63-year-old man was taken into custody for a racially aggravated public order offence after he shouted racist abuse during a road rage incident near Villa Park.
• A 21-year-old man was arrested for refusing to remove his face covering under a Section 60 order.
• A 17-year-old was issued with a dispersal order but refused to leave the area.
• A 34-year-old was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after shouting abuse towards pro-Israel demonstrators.
• A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after abusing pro-Israel demonstrators. He was also charged with possession of class B drugs.
• A 67-year-old man was arrested for shouting racist abuse at a police officer.
• A 32-year-old man was arrested for shouting racist abuse towards a pro-Palestine group.
• A 21-year-old man was arrested after attempting to throw fireworks into the ground.
• A man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs.

One individual waved a Union Jack as police tried to separate the two groups. A small group of 30 Villa fans swore at the campaigners, accusing them of bringing politics into football.

A prominent YouTuber was seen being led away in a police van, despite claiming he had been assaulted. Supporters claimed his freedom of speech was denied, while the other side was allowed to express their views freely. One Maccabi Tel Aviv fan was shouted down as a “genocidal baby killer” while trying to record a video.

Yoseph Haddad, a pro-Israeli journalist, stated: “I have one question for you. You have a problem with us and not the fact that people can’t come to Britain and watch a football game? You should check yourself. We are not in Nazi Germany, we are not in 1940s. It’s 2025 and we will not be silenced.”

One of the pro-Palestinian campaigners argued that Israeli teams should not be allowed to play in international competitions while the violence in Gaza continues.

Naeem Malik, chair of the West Midland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said: “It’s a game which should not be played, because Israel is violating the charter of FIFA and UEFA. There is genocide being committed in Gaza, and Maccabi has a racist fan base with chants of death to the Arabs. There are no schools in Gaza because there are no children in Gaza, and they should really not be playing in international competitions.”

He added: “We feel for all the Villa fans because the game is being played against a team from such a horrible country which has committed genocide and killed 65,000 Palestinians.”

A 12ft-high Palestinian flag hung by a small camp on a grass verge facing the stadium provided a colorful backdrop for the protest. Early-arriving Villa fans entered the ground peacefully, with pop music playing from an outside stage. A large security presence was visible, and five flatbed vehicles carrying electronic billboards with anti-antisemitism messages passed by before kick-off.

More than 700 West Midlands police officers were deployed for the event, including horses and dogs. Drones were used in the sky, and airspace was closed to non-official aircraft due to concerns about potential extremist threats.

Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce of Birmingham Police said: “Our message to those from all communities in Birmingham is that we have listened and will continue to engage with you. We remain committed to maintaining the city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Anyone who breaks the law will be dealt with directly, as will those who incite hate.”

He warned of a large number of uniformed officers, police horses, and a drone unit. He also urged those not attending the event to avoid the area due to expected road disruptions.

The heightened security measures came after Maccabi Tel Aviv fans caused incidents in Amsterdam and Paris in November 2024.

Protests Force School Closures

Tommy Robinson encouraged his followers to rally against “Islamist activists” at the match and posted a photo of himself wearing a Maccabi Tel Aviv football top.

Ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans

Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group announced last month that visiting fans would be barred from attending the match at Villa Park due to public safety concerns. Maccabi later declined any away tickets after the UK government said it was working to ensure fans from both sides could attend.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for the ban to be overturned, calling it “the wrong decision.” Middle East Eye reported that Dutch police told their UK counterparts that some Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were “linked to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).” Hundreds more were described as “experienced fighters,” “highly organised,” and “intent on causing serious violence.”

The Guardian also reported that the police assessment concluded the biggest risk of violence came from extremist fans of the Israeli club.