‘Unprested’ Operation Operation for Maccabi Tel Aviv-Aspland Villa

The policing operation surrounding the controversial Villa match against Maccabi Tel Aviv is “unprecedented”, said the commander of Birmingham.

More than 700 officers are in the city for the UEFA Europa League match, which kicks off at 20:00 GMT, along with police horses, dogs, drones and road units.

Ch Supp Supt Tom Joyce said at least half a dozen groups were expected to protest including Pro-Palestinian and Pro-Israeli groups.

“We police who have the fate of the police are many. We are protested by the police. We give all situations to the public, that the level of interest,” the level of anxiety around this match, “he said.

On Thursday, officers from the West Midlands Force were augmented by police from 10 forces across the country.

Ch Supt Joyce said police were preparing for the possibility of people looking for a fight.

“We plan to be that contented,” he said.

“We know that those groups that do not participate in this may have different motives for those who want to protest the law.

“The policing operation you see is a reflection of the need to deal with that.”

Officers were deployed in the city center at 13:30, amid reports of some protesters arriving early.

Police used section 60 powers in an area stretching from Assila and Perry Barr to Birmingham New Street and City Centre, which started at midday and runs until Friday.

Ahead of the game, those who live and work in the town near Villa Park see shops and schools close early.

Meanwhile, Elliot Fan Villa Elliot Ludvig said he was apprehensive about attending the match.

Mr. Ludvig, who will be working with his son, told the BBC: “I’m afraid of what’s going to happen. I’m afraid of the violence of something.

“I’m afraid about the different customs that we can face on the road, outside the stadium and inside the stadium.”

He said his other main emotion was “disappointment”.

“Is it good to go to a football game to potentially put myself in some kind of danger and or expose my son to all kinds of unwanted people?” he asked.

Those who called for calm included a landlord, the Punjabi Riders, who urged people to respect each other and for everyone to return home safely, Posting on Social Media: “Here we are. We are united by football.”

On Wednesday night, the Chief Executive of Maccabi Tel Aviv said that it was “very sad” the fans of his side could not, adding: “Politics should not be attracted to football. “

The planned protests included two of Palestine’s supporters, who called for the game to be called.

The BBC was also told of a Maccabi rally that was also organized to coincide with the match.

On Monday, Naeem Malik, Chaird of West Midlands Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said that there is Angry Crowd Hosts Team Israel.

“Calls to cancel this match have been ignored despite the dangers it brings, so we must encourage activists to unite in this match,” he said.

The Palesine Solidarity Campaign, the Stop the War Coalition in Britain, the Friends of Al-Aqsa Forumnity Campaign and the Palesinian Forum in Britain called off a protest.