Aston Villa secured a 2-0 Europa League victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park on Thursday, but the match was defined by significant security concerns and pre-game protests.
Ian Maatsen and a controversial Donyell Malen penalty delivered the goals for Unai Emery’s side.
The win strengthens Villa’s position in the group, though Emery expressed he was “not happy completely” with the team’s “tepid” performance.
The game was played without Maccabi fans due to safety concerns. Hundreds of pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli campaigners staged protests outside the stadium, leading to the deployment of 700 police officers and six arrests.
Villa struggled to break down a spirited Maccabi side, and the second goal came from a highly disputed penalty awarded after Ezri Konsa appeared to fall over his own feet.
Despite the difficult night, Villa secured the result they needed. They next host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.
