Police deploy 700 officers, drones, dogs and horses - and make stadium a no-fly zone - in huge operation to stop unrest at Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv after Israeli fans were BANNED

More than 700 police officers will be on duty for Aston Villa's high-profile Europa League clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv as part of a huge operation.

West Midlands Police will also deploy drones, dogs, horses and 'protest liaison officers' at a match from which away fans are banned. A no-fly zone will also be placed around Villa Park.

The scale of the operation for Thursday night's fixture is unprecedented based upon the fact that there will – officially – be no supporters of the visiting side present.

However, the force is on alert for the likelihood of fans of the Israeli club securing tickets and the potential for protest in and around Villa Park and Birmingham.

West Midlands Police came under criticism after it advised a Safety Advisory Group, which provides a safety licence to stage the game, that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans should be stopped from attending amid security concerns.

That move triggered a global backlash and involvement from the Prime Minister, who urged a rethink. The club itself then said it would not accept any tickets amid concerns the fixture would be highjacked for those seeking to score political points.

Daily Mail Sport reported last week that extreme right-wing activist Tommy Robinson's decision to support banned Maccabi fans by wearing one of their shirts was the 'final straw' for the club amid the anti-Semitism row.

As part of a series of measures, a no-fly zone for drones will be enforced within a mile radius of the stadium between 2pm and 11.59pm on the day of the game. Anyone found to be flying a drone at the time will be subject to arrest.

Birmingham Police commander, Chief Supt Tom Joyce, 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, 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.'

Chief Supt Joyce warned those in the area to expect 'significant disruption to the roads' and urged those who could to avoid the area, stating the force would do everything they could to 'maintain the King's peace'.

'We know protests by different groups will take place on the day,' he said '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.'

A protest has been planned at the match by a group called the 'Palestine Solidarity Campaign'. 

They are asking their supporters to gather at 6pm at Aston Pavillion, on Trinity Road, at 6pm on Thursday. 

In a message on their website they accuse Israel of 'genocide' and say that allowing the country's clubs to participate in international tournaments 'normalises its atrocities, and sends the signal that there are no consequences for them'.

'It allows Israel to present itself as a normal country,' they add, 'obscuring the truth about its oppression of Palestinians'.