Early results from this week’s Europa League matches have impacted the standings significantly, with FC Midtjylland currently leading the group following their impressive victory over Celtic. Meanwhile, Rangers find themselves at the bottom of the standings, needing to secure points urgently to improve their position.
In a related incident, six arrests were made in Birmingham prior to Aston Villa’s match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. The West Midlands Police reported that arrests included a 21-year-old for not complying with a face mask order and a 17-year-old for failing to follow a dispersal order. There were also three other arrests related to racially aggravated public order offences, highlighting the tense atmosphere ahead of the game.
Protests took place outside Villa Park, where around 200 demonstrators, including members of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, gathered. They displayed Palestinian flags and banners advocating a boycott of Israel. The police maintained order by forming a cordon after reports of an Israeli flag being waved by a bystander. In light of the protests, several vehicles were seen displaying anti-antisemitism messages, emphasizing the importance of unity in football.
The match itself carries added significance, as Rangers desperately seek a turnaround in their current Europa League campaign after suffering heavy defeats in previous matches. Their recent loss to Brann and defeat against Celtic in the Scottish League Cup has left them in a challenging position.
Although tensions mounted outside the stadium, some fans emphasized the need to separate politics from the sport. Villa supporter Adam Selway, who wore a scarf representing both teams, noted that his presence was solely about enjoying the game and not political expressions.
With several other Europa League matches in progress, Celtic is facing a challenging game against Midtjylland, trailing significantly as the second half progresses. Various teams, including Porto and Nottingham Forest, are also vying for crucial points across Europe as the competition heats up.