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