Published: 11:42, 6 November 2025 | Updated: 11:46, 6 November 2025

Gangs of masked Muslim protestors have posted 'Zionists not welcome' signs around Birmingham just hours before Aston Villa's clash against Maccabi Tel Aviv, amid fears of mob violence spilling out onto streets and Jewish fans being 'hunted down'. 

Such is the fear of heightened tensions between Palestinian supporters and pro-Israeli campaigners that nearby schools are set to close early, while more than 700 police officers have been deployed as part of a 'significant' operation to 'keep everyone in Birmingham safe'. 

A no-fly zone will be placed around Villa Park for the duration of the Europa League match, which is set to kick off at 8pm.

The scale of the police operation is unprecedented given that - officially – no supporters of the visiting side will be present.

Maccabi Tel Aviv - the only Israeli side to reach the league stage of the European competition this season - have seen their fans banned from attending the match by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group after West Midlands Police last month deemed the fixture 'high...