Legia Warsaw fans barred from Villa Park as officers injured in violent clashes

30 November 2023 , 20:35

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Legia Warsaw fans barred from Villa Park as officers injured in violent clashes

Legia Warsaw fans have been barred from entering Villa Park after violent clashes with police erupted outside the stadium.

At least three officers were injured in the melee as away supporters hurled missiles at West Midlands Police as they prevented them from storming the turnstiles.

Legia Warsaw fans were left furious when their allocation for the Europa Conference League Group E clash with Aston Villa was cut from 1,700 to 1,1010 after clashes with Dutch police in Alkmaar last month. As a result, almost 1,000 ticketless supporters travelled to Birmingham for Thursday's match and attempted to enter the ground with force.

Police clashed with away fans outside Villa Park (PA)

Violence broke out as police in riot gear escorted the Legia Warsaw fans from their compound to Villa Park. Many were hit with missiles and officers warned locals to stay away from the area.

Birmingham Police said: "We're currently unable to allow away fans into Villa Park following disorder outside the stadium, which has seen missiles thrown at officers. Three officers have already been injured and a significant police operation continues. Please avoid Witton Lane where possible."

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The match kicked off at its 8pm scheduled time with the away section empty of supporters while police continued to calm the situation outside and allow only those fans with tickets into the ground.

Some Legia Warsaw fans did make it inside the ground in the home end, but these were quickly picked out by stewards and removed.

Jake Polden