Security Increased and Israeli Fans Barred at Villa-Maccabi Match
Anti-Israel protesters gathered outside Villa Park before the game, despite no fans of the Israeli soccer club being allowed inside. British police deployed 700 officers in Birmingham on Thursday ahead of the UEFA Europa League match between Aston Villa F.C. and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The heightened security measures were implemented even though Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were banned from attending the game. Anti-Israel activists were seen around Villa Park hours before kickoff, waving Palestinian flags and holding political placards, BirminghamLive reported.
One sign on a lamppost read, “No war games allowed.”
Jesse Kline, a columnist, follows developments in Israel and the impact of antisemitism on Canadian life. He offers updates via a newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
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Summary
Security at Villa Park was heightened with 700 officers deployed for the Aston Villa vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv match, where Israeli fans were banned and protests took place outside.
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