The combined Maccabi thread - now with are you going? poll

[Meanwood Villa]

Yes, almost certainly. The exact location and extent of the protests is what is unclear.

[Dave]

Yes, almost certainly. The exact location and extent of the protests is what is unclear.

I wonder how the "multiple ticket checks" are likely to work at a stadium in such a residential area? It's not as if match-going fans are the only people who could have a genuine reason to be wandering the couple of square miles of streets around Villa Park.

[AV82EC]

Yes, almost certainly. The exact location and extent of the protests is what is unclear.

Either that or its the usual piss and vinegar from Internet Warriors who'd rather be tucked up at home watching Corrie than be within a mile of Villa Park. 

I'm envisaging it being a right royal pain in the arse approaching the ground but once through any cordon it'll be fine.

[Crown Hill]

Yes, almost certainly. The exact location and extent of the protests is what is unclear.

I wonder how the "multiple ticket checks" are likely to work at a stadium in such a residential area? It's not as if match-going fans are the only people who could have a genuine reason to be wandering the couple of square miles of streets around Villa Park.

I should think VP is one of the easiest grounds in the country to do it at. Just shutting off Witton Lane and Trinity Road.

[Meanwood Villa]

My concern now is potential disruption to the fixture to achieve the stated aim of some groups to get the match cancelled. What form will this take? I tend to think the right wing arsehole counter protest won't happen in the absence of MTA fans. But this is all guesswork.

[Dave]

Yes, almost certainly. The exact location and extent of the protests is what is unclear.

I wonder how the "multiple ticket checks" are likely to work at a stadium in such a residential area? It's not as if match-going fans are the only people who could have a genuine reason to be wandering the couple of square miles of streets around Villa Park.

I should think VP is one of the easiest grounds in the country to do it at. Just shutting off Witton Lane and Trinity Road.

That creates a cordon, sure - but "multiple ticket checks"? That suggests additional cordons beyond the relatively easy one that you describe, doesn't it?

edit - unless I suppose "multiple" just means two, in which case one as you approach and one as you go in. But that doesn't really do much to keep both bunches of pricks away from the stadium / supporters.

[Brazilian Villain]

My concern now is potential disruption to the fixture to achieve the stated aim of some groups to get the match cancelled. What form will this take? I tend to think the right wing arsehole counter protest won't happen in the absence of MTA fans. But this is all guesswork.

Mostly agree. If there is any disruption to the match or for fans, it's more likely to come from the left-wing, keffiyeh-wearing arseholes.

[Crown Hill]

Yes, almost certainly. The exact location and extent of the protests is what is unclear.

I wonder how the "multiple ticket checks" are likely to work at a stadium in such a residential area? It's not as if match-going fans are the only people who could have a genuine reason to be wandering the couple of square miles of streets around Villa Park.

I should think VP is one of the easiest grounds in the country to do it at. Just shutting off Witton Lane and Trinity Road.

That creates a cordon, sure - but "multiple ticket checks"? That suggests additional cordons beyond the relatively easy one that you describe, doesn't it?

edit - unless I suppose "multiple" just means two, in which case one as you approach and one as you go in. But that doesn't really do much to keep both bunches of pricks away from the stadium / supporters.

I think it will mean four where the usual vehicles blocks are. Unless they somehow stop people accessing Aston Park which is possible as well. Otherwise it’s not that residential around the actual ground these days. And given transport restrictions already apply adding pedestrian ones is straightforward

[SaddVillan]

Wonder if WMP are hoping for some pretty atrocious weather from 5pm onwards  to dampen the ardour of protestors on either side of the argument.

Nothing like a 2 hour downpour to put people off.

[Crown Hill]

Definitely and I wonder if the smaller the crowd the better from their point of view. Villa certainly aren’t pushing it the way they are pushing the Bournemouth match.

[Max Villan]

Might be best to avoid aston hall and its grounds on thursday...

[amfy]

This is the official Police Briefing on the match…

West Midlands Police Briefing – Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv (Thursday 6 November, 8:00pm)
Monday 3rd November 2025
1. Overview
• The UEFA Europa League fixture between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv will take place at
Villa Park on Thursday 6 November at 8:00pm.
• The Security Advisory Group (SAG) reviewed its original decision regarding the attendance of
Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters and has upheld the ban on away fans.
• This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent
clashes and hate crimes during the Ajax vs Maccabi Tel Aviv match in Amsterdam in 2024.
• The assessed risk remains high if away supporters were to travel to Birmingham.
• It was raised during the meeting that the initial statement issued by the SAG was vague and
open to interpretation, which led to misunderstanding and criticism directed towards the
Muslim community by sections of the media and some politicians.
• Attendees emphasised the need for clearer and more transparent communication from
authorities when such high-profile decisions are made, particularly to ensure public
understanding and community confidence.
2. Policing Approach
• West Midlands Police (WMP) reiterated their commitment to fair, balanced and impartial
policing, ensuring both the right to protest and the safety of the public.
• WMP has extensive experience managing high-risk football fixtures and large-scale public
events, though this match presents unique challenges.
• A major policing operation will be in place, with over 700 officers deployed.
• A visible police presence will also be maintained throughout the day in and around the Aston
area ahead of the match.
3. Protest Activity
• Police are anticipating five separate protest groups in Birmingham on the day of the match:
• Three pro-Palestine groups
• Two pro-Israel / pro–Maccabi Tel Aviv counter-protest groups
• Four of these groups have been in liaison with WMP.
• While pro-Palestine demonstrations in the region have historically been well-organised and
peaceful, this will be the first occasion involving active counter-protests.
• Although Tommy Robinson has confirmed he will not attend and there is no current
intelligence of far-right mobilisation, police are prepared for this contingency.
4. Match Day Operations
• Villa Park is expected to be at near full capacity (approx. 40,000 attendees), adding to the
usual match-day congestion.
• Those without an essential reason to be in the area are advised to avoid the vicinity to
support public safety and police operations.
• Officers will be drawn from across the country; not all will be local to Birmingham. Staff and
residents are asked to be patient and cooperate with officers, who may be directed to
restrict access points or control movement due to protests or safety measures.
5. Police Powers and Measures
• A Section 60 search authority is likely to be implemented, allowing officers to stop and
search individuals within a defined area and timeframe.
• Under these powers, individuals may also be required to remove face coverings.
• There are no plans to deploy live facial recognition technology during this operation.
• Traffic restrictions are expected to begin from 6:00pm onwards, though earlier closures may
be introduced if large groups gather or incidents occur requiring emergency measures.
6. Oversight and Communication
• Independent observers will be present in the control room to monitor and ensure fair,
proportionate policing.
• All observations and feedback will be shared with their respective communities and directly
with WMP.
• To help counter misinformation, WMP will establish a direct line of communication with
selected community representatives to share verified updates quickly and directly.
7. Key Messages
• West Midlands Police remain focused on maintaining public safety, community confidence,
and operational fairness.
• The cooperation of local communities, partners and event stakeholders is essential to ensure
a safe and peaceful event.

[gage against the machine]

Wonder if WMP are hoping for some pretty atrocious weather from 5pm onwards  to dampen the ardour of protestors on either side of the argument.

Nothing like a 2 hour downpour to put people off.

Saw it on some show, the cops call the welcome dampening of spirits from bad weather as "PC Rain"...

[Drummond]

Good statement that.

[Dave]

• This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent
clashes and hate crimes during the Ajax vs Maccabi Tel Aviv match in Amsterdam in 2024.
• The assessed risk remains high if away supporters were to travel to Birmingham.
• It was raised during the meeting that the initial statement issued by the SAG was vague and
open to interpretation, which led to misunderstanding and criticism directed towards the
Muslim community by sections of the media and some politicians.
• Attendees emphasised the need for clearer and more transparent communication from
authorities when such high-profile decisions are made, particularly to ensure public
understanding and community confidence.

Looking forward to that Eliot chap coming back to confirm that he got this wrong then.