View Image

It cost an estimated £2 million to police the high-profile and controversial clash between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa amid fears of protests, it has been revealed today.

The operation involved 700 officers, some drafted in from forces across the country, to ensure there was no public disorder before, during and after the Europa League clash.

Had fans of the Israeli club been allowed to attend, the costs would have been much higher, the police and crime commissioner Simon Foster has warned.

READ MORE: West Midlands Police defends Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban after claims of 'false intelligence'

He is now calling for the West Midlands force to receive a 'special grant' to cover the costs.

The cost was revealed in a written response amid a massive backl

See Full Page