Police deployed in Birmingham ahead of Maccabi Tel Aviv match

More than 700 police officers were deployed in Birmingham on Thursday for the high-risk Europa League match between Aston Villa and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv, AFP reported. 

The report said that two demonstrations are planned near the stadium, one organized by the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the other in support of Maccabi.

West Midlands police official Tom Joyce said that a large number of uniformed officers, as well as mounted police, dogs and drones would be used. 

Protestors put up signs around the stadium bearing the words "Zionists are not welcome" or putting up Palestinian flags.

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson seized upon the issue in a video posted on X, making numerous anti-Islamic remarks.