Tensions are high in the UK city of Birmingham as English Premier League team Aston Villa prepare to play Israeli soccer club Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League.⁣ ⁣ British police are mounting a large operation with 700 officers to prevent trouble in the city. With Israeli sports teams a focus for pro-Palestinian protests during the Gaza conflict and Villa initially saying away fans would be barred on police advice, Maccabi reluctantly opted not to accept tickets for visiting supporters.⁣ ⁣ Despite that, pro-Palestinian groups are staging protests while there have been some calls on social media for counter-demonstrations.⁣ ⁣ #Maccabi #Palestine #Israel #Fifa #Villa