Several schools in Birmingham are deciding to close early in anticipation of the upcoming match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park. The West Midlands Police have labeled the Europa League tie as “high risk” after a detailed assessment due to previous incidents. Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were prohibited from attending the game in response to safety worries, drawing criticism from various politicians, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Multiple protest groups, representing diverse viewpoints, are expected to gather at the event, accompanied by approximately 700 police officers to ensure public safety.

Amid global criticism of Israel regarding the escalating death toll in Gaza, demonstrations are predicted. Calls have been mounting for UEFA and FIFA to impose sporting sanctions on Israel’s national teams and clubs following allegations of genocide in Gaza by a UN commission of inquiry.

Despite the significant security measures in place, schools in Birmingham are opting to close early. Mansfield Green E-ACT Primary Academy, located near Villa Park, will dismiss students at 2pm instead of the usual 3:15pm. Similarly, BOA Creative, Digital and Performing Arts Academy intends to shut its doors at 1:15pm, as confirmed by the school principal in an email to parents citing planned protests as the reason.

The decision to close schools early has sparked controversy, with former Labour MP, Lord Ian Austin, criticizing the move as a hindrance to education improvement efforts in the area. E-ACT Mansfield Green Academy justified the early closure as a precautionary measure based on advice from the local authority to mitigate potential disruptions.

In light of the situation, Birmingham schools are taking precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of students, with similar actions being taken by other schools in the vicinity.