Protests took place near Villa Park as Aston Villa faced Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv. Six people were arrested during the demonstrations in Birmingham, police confirmed.
Over 700 officers were deployed around Villa Park for the Europa League match, ensuring safety amid the protests.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) called for the match to be canceled and for Israel to be excluded from international football. The group began demonstrating shortly before 6 p.m., a short distance from the stadium.
“The Palestine Solidarity Campaign has called for the fixture to be cancelled and for Israel to be excluded from international football.”
Additional unrest has occurred across the UK during Bonfire Night, with police facing attacks involving fireworks.
Author's summary: Protests against Israel’s participation in football led to arrests and significant police presence at Aston Villa’s match with Maccabi Tel Aviv, highlighting ongoing tensions near the stadium.