Aston Villa Faces Maccabi Tel Aviv Amid Protests in Europa League Clash

Aston, England – Aston Villa will host Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League on Thursday, November 6, amid heightened tensions and significant police presence due to planned protests. The match kicks off at 8 p.m. local time.

The game has sparked debate after West Midlands Police and Birmingham Council banned away fans from the stadium. This ban led Maccabi Tel Aviv to decide against bringing supporters for safety reasons, coinciding with various pro-Palestine demonstrations expected throughout the day.

Maccabi Tel Aviv enters the match struggling in the Europa League, having just one point from three outings. However, they remain unbeaten in their domestic league with nine victories in their last ten games. Captain Dor Peretz is expected to lead the team, having scored eight goals in 18 appearances this season.

Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, is looking to turn around their own fortunes after suffering a 2-0 defeat in their last match. They are currently looking for redemption after a surprising loss to Go Ahead Eagles in their previous European match. Villa has experienced ups and downs throughout the season, finding themselves needing to secure points in this match.

In the lead-up to the kickoff, police have deployed over 700 officers from ten different forces to maintain order. Several pro-Palestine protesters are already gathering outside the stadium, and police are prepared to enforce dispersal orders if necessary.

Despite the controversies surrounding the match, both teams are eager to compete on the pitch. Villa’s lineup includes key players such as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and winger Jadon Sancho. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s squad features Roy Revivo, son of Israeli football legend Haim Revivo, playing at left back.

Fans and players alike will be keeping a close eye on how the situation develops both on and off the field as the kickoff approaches.