Overview
- Around 700 officers enforced a large operation with Section 60 stop-and-search powers, supported by horses, dogs and a drone unit around Villa Park.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv declined any away tickets after the local Safety Advisory Group moved to exclude visiting supporters, drawing criticism from the UK government and the prime minister.
- Pro‑Palestine protesters gathered near the stadium calling for Israel’s exclusion from international football, while a smaller counter‑protest expressed solidarity with Maccabi fans.
- Police reported 11 arrests across the operation, with alleged offences including racially aggravated public order, failure to comply with orders, attempted firework throwing and drug possession or supply.
- The game itself passed without major incident inside the stadium, the away section remained empty and Aston Villa won 2-0.