Villa Park witnessed an unusual spectacle as home supporters directed their voices towards vacant seats typically reserved for visiting fans.
The absence of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters followed police intelligence regarding hooliganism risks associated with certain elements of their fanbase.
West Midlands Police had advised against ticket sales after receiving information about significant disorder linked to a subset of the Israeli club's following.
The decision was taken purely based on behavioural concerns rather than any other factors.
Villa fans chanted against Maccabi Tel Aviv, whose fans were not allowed inside Villa Park
|REUTERS
The empty away section became a focal point for Villa supporters, who found themselves addressing their songs to unoccupied seats during the Europa League encounter.
The security operation overshadowed the sporting event itself, with more than 700 officers stationed around the Birmingham venue.
Authorities anticipated demonstrations from both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli activists.
West Midlands Police detained six individuals before the match commenced.
A 21-year-old faced arrest for refusing to remove facial covering, whilst a 17-year-old was detained for breaching a dispersal directive.
The away end at Villa Park was empty as fans chanted 'your support is f***ing s***'
|REUTERS
Three people were arrested on charges of racially motivated public order violations. An additional person was detained for disturbing the peace.
The football fixture appeared almost incidental against the backdrop of heightened security measures and political tensions surrounding the stadium perimeter.
Villa supporters transformed the unusual circumstances into entertainment, serenading the vacant away end with creative mockery.
Demonstrations took place outside Villa Park
|REUTERS
According to PA's Jonathan Veal, the home crowd chanted "empty seats my Lord" and "s**t support my Lord" at the unoccupied section.
The Holte End faithful continued their repertoire with "Shall we sing a song for you" and "your support is f***ing s**t", displaying characteristic Birmingham wit in response to the unprecedented situation.
The atmosphere inside Villa Park provided stark contrast to the tense scenes outside, as supporters made theatrical sport of addressing their songs to rows of empty plastic seats where travelling fans would typically stand.
The sporting contest itself struggled to capture attention amidst the security circus enveloping Villa Park.
Unai Emery's men fashioned their best opportunity shortly before the interval when Donyell Malen found himself in prime position.
The Dutch forward's close-range attempt was thwarted by Maccabi keeper Roi Mishpati, denying Villa the breakthrough in an otherwise subdued opening period.
The hosts entered the fixture with six points from their initial three European outings.
Six people have been arrested amid protests outside Villa Park | PAVictories against Bologna and Feyenoord had been tempered by an unexpected reverse at Go Ahead Eagles in their previous continental engagement.
The match continued with Villa seeking to assert dominance against their Israeli opponents.