Several schools in Birmingham have decided to close early in anticipation of the upcoming Aston Villa versus Maccabi Tel Aviv match.
The Europa League fixture at Villa Park tonight has been deemed “high risk” by West Midlands Police after a detailed assessment of past incidents. Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were recently prohibited from attending the game due to safety worries, drawing immediate criticism from politicians, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Five protest groups, representing both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli stances, are expected to be present tonight, along with approximately 700 police officers to ensure the safety of football fans and locals.
Amid increasing international scrutiny of Israel regarding the escalating death toll in Gaza, protests are anticipated. Calls have intensified for UEFA and FIFA to exclude Israel’s national teams and clubs from international competitions, with UN advisory experts advocating for sporting penalties following a UN commission of inquiry alleging genocide by Israel in Gaza.
Despite the extensive police presence, schools in Birmingham are preparing to close early. Mansfield Green E-ACT Primary Academy, located just over half a mile from Villa Park, will dismiss students at 2 pm instead of the usual 3:15 pm.
In a communication sent to parents ahead of the match, the school informed them: “Good morning, due to the Villa match tomorrow, November 6, the school will be closing early. The gates will be open for you to collect your children at 2 pm. Thank you.”
Another school reportedly closing early is BOA Creative, Digital and Performing Arts Academy, as per the Daily Telegraph. The school is planning to close at 1:15 pm, with the principal notifying parents of the early closure due to planned protests in the area.
Former Labour MP Lord Ian Austin criticized the decision to close schools early, labeling it a “disgrace.” Expressing his views on social media, he stated: “Local politicians and community leaders should focus on enhancing education in areas like Aston and Lozells instead of escalating tensions with calls for boycotts, bans, and protests leading to early school closures. What a disgrace.”
A spokesperson from E-ACT Mansfield Green Academy explained: “Following guidance from the local authority regarding potential congestion and disruptions, E-ACT Mansfield Green Academy will close 1 hour 15 minutes early on Thursday, 6 November. The safety and well-being of all pupils remain our top priority.
“Other schools in the vicinity are taking similar precautions, and we appreciate the understanding of parents and carers.”
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