Protesters gathered outside the stadium in Birmingham ahead of the match between Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv and England’s Aston Villa, voicing anger over the war in Gaza and demanding Israel’s expulsion from FIFA.

Why it matters:

The unrest reflects growing global backlash against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, spilling over into sports and public life across Europe.

What they’re saying:

According to The Independent, pro-Palestinian activists placed posters across the city calling for a sports boycott and displaying Palestinian flags around the stadium. Some Maccabi supporters were also seen outside in limited numbers.

Key Points:

The West Midlands Security Council banned spectators from attending the match, citing the Gaza war and the violent record of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans.

British police deployed around 700 officers to secure the area and prevent clashes.

Activists demanded Israel’s removal from international sports bodies, calling the match “an insult amid genocide.”

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