Overview
- West Midlands Police said ten people were detained around Villa Park on Thursday night, with five still in custody including two on racially aggravated public order charges and one accused of attempting to throw fireworks onto the pitch.
- More than 700 officers were deployed as authorities prepared for possible disorder linked to protests and counter‑protests near the stadium.
- Hundreds joined a pro‑Palestine demonstration outside the ground, and a smaller pro‑Israel presence drew brief tensions that police quickly contained.
- The Birmingham Security Advisory Group barred visiting Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters, a move criticized by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood but upheld by local authorities.
- Police said the match proceeded without major disruption, and Aston Villa defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-0.