Eleven arrested in protests outside Villa-Maccabi game

At least 11 people were arrested as a series of verbal clashes broke out during a pro-Palestine protest outside Aston Villa's controversial Europa League match against Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv.

- ALEX ROSS

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Villa Park ahead of last night's tie, which took place without visiting fans after Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group raised public safety concerns.

The demonstrators, including members of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, gathered outside the stadium’s Trinity Road Stand, with a stage set up for speakers to lead chants against the IDF and in support of Palestinians.

They demanded that Israel’s domestic football teams be excluded from UEFA competitions.

But despite calls for a peaceful protest, there were several skirmishes between people outside the stadium and those taking part in the demonstration just before the game started at 8pm.