Several schools in Birmingham are closing early in anticipation of the upcoming Aston Villa versus Maccabi Tel Aviv match. The Europa League fixture at Villa Park tonight has been labeled as “high risk” by West Midlands Police after a comprehensive evaluation of past incidents. Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were recently prohibited from attending the game due to safety worries, prompting criticism from politicians like Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Groups representing both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli stances are expected to demonstrate, with a substantial police presence of around 700 officers to ensure safety.
Amid global condemnation of Israel over the escalating death toll in Gaza, demonstrations are predicted. Calls have mounted for UEFA and FIFA to exclude Israel’s national teams and clubs from international competitions, following a UN commission’s assertion of genocide in Gaza.
Despite extensive security measures, schools in Birmingham will dismiss early. Mansfield Green E-ACT Primary Academy, situated near Villa Park, will release students at 2pm instead of the usual 3:15pm. The school informed parents in advance of the match, stating the early closure due to the event.
Another school reportedly closing early is BOA Creative, Digital and Performing Arts Academy, aiming to shut gates at 1:15pm as per the principal’s email to parents citing planned protests.
Former Labour MP Lord Ian Austin criticized the school closures as a “disgrace,” emphasizing the importance of improving education in the area. E-ACT Mansfield Green Academy justified the early closure as a precautionary measure based on local authority advice to address potential congestion and disruptions.
The academy spokeswoman emphasized safety as the top priority and acknowledged other schools taking similar precautions, thanking parents for their cooperation.