From the Liveblog of
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Large police presence in Birmingham ahead of Maccabi Tel Aviv game; ‘Zionists not welcome’ signs put up near stadium
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleMore than 700 police are deployed across the British city of Birmingham as protests are planned for a soccer game between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa, with visiting Israeli fans barred from attendance.
The UK government last month vowed to reverse the ban on Maccabi fans attending the Europa League match in the city in central England, which has a significant Muslim population, after widespread criticism of the decision that had been made by local safety advisers and police.
However, the Israeli club later announced it would decline to accept any tickets for its fans, citing safety concerns.
Villa have said they are not selling tickets for the vacant away end of the Villa Park stadium.
Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city, has been the scene of regular pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel rallies over the last two years.
Local police said protests by different groups were scheduled near Villa Park, including a pro-Palestinian demonstration demanding Israel be excluded from international soccer.
A pro-Israeli group has also organized a Maccabi Solidarity Rally, with both protests set to kick off around 6 p.m. (1800 GMT) amid a heavy police presence, two hours before the game is due to begin.
“We are experienced at policing high-profile football matches and demonstrations, and for many weeks now, we have been working closely with different faith and local community groups to listen to their views and concerns,” West Midlands Police says in statement.
Videos on social media showed signs near the stadium reading “no war games allowed” and “Zionists not welcome,” while far-right channels spearheaded by Tommy Robinson have made Islamophobic statements about the game and planned protests.
Birmingham extremists plastered the city with posters saying “Give Zionism the Red Card” and “#Zionistsnotwelcome”. All because an Israeli team is coming to play football.
It isn’t your city. It’s a free city in Britain.
Actually, you’re not welcome.
h/t @sirwg202110 pic.twitter.com/CEi1IxLVoS
— Heidi Bachram ????️ (@HeidiBachram) November 5, 2025
The Times of Israel Community.