Published on 01.12.2023
Police reported 39 arrests and four officers injured during clashes with Legia Warsaw fans on Thursday night.
Projectiles were thrown at police as Legia fans were confined to a coach park near Villa Park before their match against Aston Villa, which the hosts won 2-1. Although the match proceeded as scheduled, no Legia fans were permitted into the stadium before kick-off. Legia claimed Villa breached their agreement on away ticket allocation, while Villa asserted the decision was based on safety concerns.
West Midlands Police have confirmed 'three officers have been injured amid disorder with Legia Warsaw fans outside Villa Park. They say they cannot let them in the ground and told the public to avoid Witton Lane'. pic.twitter.com/12gGf0At7j
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 30, 2023
Following the match, West Midlands Police issued a statement, stating, “Over 30 arrests were made as officers sustained injuries during severe disorder involving away fans outside Villa Park this evening. We encountered deplorable and highly perilous situations as trouble erupted before the Aston Villa and Legia Warsaw fixture.”
The Police added: “We maintained a significant police presence due to safety concerns arising from previous matchday disorder involving visiting fans. Tonight’s unrest is believed to have erupted when the away club failed to distribute tickets to supporters outside the ground, as initially planned. The away allocation was reduced to 1,000 tickets based on the joint recommendation of the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), collaborating with Aston Villa and endorsed by UEFA. The SAG comprises emergency services, local authority departments, and transport, assessing health, safety, and welfare at public events to provide advice to organizers.
During the disorder, four officers, one of whom was hospitalized, along with two police horses and two police dogs, were injured as projectiles, including flares, were thrown towards them. Fortunately, their injuries are not believed to be serious.”
Chief inspector Tim Robinson, the match commander, added: “This should have been a great evening of football which was enjoyed by fans from both clubs.”
Regrettably, there were horrifying incidents in which visiting supporters recklessly launched flares and other projectiles at our law enforcement officers. Police’s primary goal was to ensure the safety of all individuals present, including these officers. However, their well-being was compromised due to the reprehensible behavior of others. As a result of the excessive violence witnessed, it became necessary to deny entry into the stadium for away fans. The well-being and security of everyone involved is our utmost concern, leaving us with no alternative course of action.
