Police update on Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv match

Heading to the Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv match tonight? Here's what you need to know.

To help keep everyone safe and ensure the match runs smoothly, there will be extra police officers on the ground throughout the evening. 

We’ll also be using additional policing powers to respond quickly to any issues and support fans as they arrive, enjoy the game, and head home.

We will have more than 700 officers keeping the public safe and arresting anyone who engages in crime or disorder.

We will be using Section 60 powers in parts of Birmingham from today (6 Nov) as part of our operation to keep people safe.

This evening will see us mount a large policing operation, as Aston Villa take on Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park.

Section 60 powers will be in place in the area on the map, from 12pm today (6 November) until 3am Friday (7 Nov).

These powers allow us to stop and search people without the need to have reasonable grounds. This power is exercised to safeguard the community from this dangerous behaviour.

Ch Supt Tom Joyce, said: “Our message to those from all communities is that we have listened and will continue to engage with you.

“We remain committed to maintaining the city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

“Anyone who breaks the law will be dealt with directly, as will those who incite hate.

“We have been working closely with partners including Birmingham City Council, Aston Villa Football Club, our colleagues in other emergency services, as we put in place our significant policing operation.

“People can expect to see a large number of uniformed officers, as well as police horses, police dogs, our drone unit, road policing unit, protest liaison officers and others.

“People not attending the event should expect significant disruption to the roads in the area on the evening, and we’d urge people to avoid the area where possible.

“We know protests by different groups will take place on the day, and we have plans in place which balance the right to protest with our duty to protect all communities.

“We are experienced at policing high profile football matches and demonstrations, and for many weeks now, we have been working closely with different faith and local community groups to listen to their views and concerns.

“Our goal throughout planning for this match is to ensure people can enjoy the football fixture while we continue to keep everyone safe, facilitate peaceful protest and maintain the King’s peace.”

As always, our main focus is on keeping everyone safe. 

You can find out more about Stop and Search and why we use it HERE.

If you see something that doesn’t feel right, speak to an officer or a member of security. In an emergency, always dial 999.