Several Birmingham schools have confirmed they will shut early ahead of the Aston Villa versus Maccabi Tel Aviv fixture. The contentious Europa League clash is scheduled to take place at Villa Park on Thursday (November 6) evening, and has been deemed ‘high-risk’ by police.
Tensions have escalated following a ban on away supporters, which sparked outrage but remains in place. Police chiefs have revealed that approximately five demonstration groups, comprising both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli factions, are anticipated, alongside a substantial police deployment of around 700 officers to ensure the safety of football supporters and residents.
However, despite the extensive policing measures and precautions being implemented, educational establishments in Aston are preparing to close prematurely, according to Birmingham Live.
Mansfield Green E-ACT Primary Academy in Albert Road, situated just over half a mile from Villa Park, will be shutting its doors before the standard school finishing time of 3.15pm.
The institution sent a notification to parents stating: “Good morning, due to the Villa match tomorrow November 6th, the school will be closing early.
“The gates will be open for you to collect your children at 2pm. Thank you.”
According to the Daily Telegraph, BOA Creative, Digital and Performing Arts Academy is also scheduled to close early at 1.15pm, with the headteacher reportedly having contacted parents to explain that several schools in the vicinity would be finishing early due to the planned demonstrations.
The school’s social media pages have confirmed that the principal’s online presentation, originally scheduled for Thursday, has been pushed back a week to 5pm on Thursday, November 13.
Former Labour MP, Lord Ian Austin, lambasted the early closure of schools and posted on X, stating: “Local politicians and community leaders should be doing everything they can to improve education in areas like Aston and Lozells.
“Not inflaming tensions and calling for boycotts, bans and protests that result in schools being closed early. What a disgrace.”
A representative from E-ACT Mansfield Green Academy stated: “Following advice from the local authority regarding possible congestion and local disruption, E-ACT Mansfield Green Academy will close 1 hour 15 minutes early on Thursday, 6 November.
“Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of all pupils.
“Other schools in the area are taking similar precautions, and we thank parents and carers for their understanding.”