Six people were arrested before Aston Villa's Europa League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv, a fixture that drew significant political attention due to the ban on Israeli supporters attending over safety concerns. The decision, made by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group, led to widespread debate, including criticism from the Prime Minister. A large police presence was deployed to manage planned pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protests outside Villa Park, resulting in three arrests for racially aggravated offences and others for public order issues.

Protests on both sides took place peacefully, with speeches, banners, and counter-demonstrations emphasizing calls for an end to violence and opposition to antisemitism. Inside the stadium, strict ticketing and regulations on political displays ensured a calm atmosphere, and the match proceeded without major incident. Aston Villa secured a 2-0 victory, strengthening their position in the competition.