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 mask, a boy, 17, for failing to comply with a dispersal order, three people for racially-aggravated public order offences and one for a breach of the peace.
More than 700 police officers are on duty at Villa Park with police horses, police dogs and a drone unit part of the operation, with protests by different groups taking place.
More to follow.
