Violence erupted near Villa Park stadium when Warsaw fans threw objects at West Midlands officers stationed at the coach park in Birmingham. Their frustration stemmed from a reduction in allocated tickets from 1700 to 1010 due to a prior clash with Dutch police in Alkmaar in October. Nearly a thousand fans without tickets attempted to forcefully enter the game.
Police took strict action against the aggressive fans, resulting in injuries to three of them. Flares were launched at the officers from various directions, prompting a warning for locals to steer clear of the area. The away fans were completely barred from entering the stadium, confirmed by Villa, while stewards removed several Warsaw supporters from the home stands and escorted them out.
A statement released by West Midlands Police stated, “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.”
Aston Villa Football Club affirmed, “Aston Villa Football Club can confirm that no away fans were allowed into Villa Park for this evening’s UEFA Europa Conference League fixture with Legia Warsaw on the advice of West Midlands Police following large-scale disorder outside the stadium caused by visiting supporters.”
Warsaw indicated that their official delegation, owner, and president opted not to enter the stadium in solidarity with the fans. “Due to the actions taken by Aston Villa FC as the host club, Legia Warszawa informs that its official delegation, management board and the club’s owner and president Dariusz Mioduski will not be present at the hosts’ stadium during the next UEFA Europa Conference League match,” stated their announcement.
Despite the unsettling incidents outside the venue, Villa emerged victorious over Legia Warsaw with a 2-1 scoreline, courtesy of goals from Moussa Diaby and Alex Moreno, securing the top spot in Group E with 12 points from five matches.
Ugly and violent scenes outside Villa Park from Legia fans. Appears at least a couple of police officers have been injured. Big operation in place at #avfc to get the Legia Warsaw fans inside the stadium. pic.twitter.com/Ga1Lanu1d8
— Charlotte Duncker (@CharDuncker) November 30, 2023
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
Aston Villa performance and stats
Aston Villa is currently 4th in the Premier League with 28 points.
In the last 13 games, it has won 9 times, drawn once, and lost 3 times. In its last match, Aston Villa won 1-2 against Tottenham Hotspur.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 31 goals and conceding 18.
Aston Villa will play the next match in Premier League against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday 3rd of December in Bournemouth. The prediction is Aston Villa winning the match.
Legia Warszawa performance and stats
Legia Warszawa
Legia Warszawa is currently 6th in the Ekstraklasa with 25 points.
In the last 15 games, it has won 7 times, drawn 4 times, and lost 4 times. In its last match, Legia Warszawa drawn 2-2 against Warta Poznań.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 23 goals and conceding 20.
Legia Warszawa will play the next match in Ekstraklasa against Zagłębie Lubin on Sunday 3rd of December in Lubin. The prediction is Legia Warszawa winning the match.
