Section 60 powers in place ahead of Aston Villa vs Tel Aviv match

West Midlands Police have announced that Section 60 (stop and search) powers will be put into place in parts of Birmingham as Aston Villa take on Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park on Thursday.

Earlier this week, the force said that a 'large policing operation' consisting of more than 700 officers will be on the scene to 'keep people safe' during tomorrow's fixture. 

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As well as a large force presence, Section 60 powers will be in place from 12pm on Thursday to 3am on Friday.

The powers mean that officers can stop and search people without the need to have reasonable grounds, and are usually enforced to help safeguard the public from dangerous and violent behaviour.

Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce, from West Midlands Police, said: "Our message to those from all communities in Birmingham is that we have listened and will continue to engage with you.

"We remain committed to maintaining the city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

“Anyone who breaks the law will be dealt with directly, as will those who incite hate.

“We have been working closely with partners, including Birmingham City Council, Aston Villa Football Club, and our colleagues in other emergency services, as we put in place our significant policing operation.

“People can expect to see a large number of uniformed officers, as well as police horses, police dogs, our drone unit, road policing unit, protest liaison officers and others.

“People not attending the event should expect significant disruption to the roads in the area on the evening, and we’d urge people to avoid the area where possible.

“We know protests by different groups will take place on the day, and we have plans in place which balance the right to protest with our duty to protect all communities in Birmingham.

“We are experienced at policing high-profile football matches and demonstrations, and for many weeks now, we have been working closely with different faith and local community groups to listen to their views and concerns.

“Our goal throughout planning for this match is to ensure people can enjoy the football fixture while we continue to keep everyone in Birmingham safe, facilitate peaceful protest and maintain the King’s peace."

The Europa League fixture has been steeped in controversy after local authorities said that Macabbi fans would be blocked from attending the game, with West Midlands Police classifying the match as 'high-risk'.

It comes as rumours of planned pro-Palestine protests at the match circulate online, with a number of schools in the region reportedly also choosing to close early due to safety concerns.

The Daily Telegraph reports that BOA Creative, Digital and Performing Arts Academy will shut at 1.15pm, ahead of the fixture, with E-ACT Mansfield Green Academy reportedly closing 1 hour and 15 minutes early.