A policeman was “swallowed in flames” and three other policemen were injured in violent clashes with football boys of Legia from Warsaw.
A further 10 people were treated for minor injuries by West Midlands Ambulance Service and discharged outside Villa Park.
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Legia fans from Warsaw rioted with police after three officers were injuredCredit: Reuters
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Police battled with fans as traveling fans were lit with torchesCredit: Reuters
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It was a chaotic scene outside Villa ParkCredit: Reuters
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Legia fans were furious as they could not enter the pitchCredit: PA
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Four police officers were injured in the violenceCredit: PA
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One officer was set on fire by a torch and taken to hospitalCredit: Getty
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The away section of Villa Park was completely empty as Legia fans were banned from enteringCredit: Reuters
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This created a bizarre atmosphere in the stadiumCredit: Reuters
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Fans are pelted with missiles Credit: X/@hooliganscz1999
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A total of 14 people, including four police officers, received emergency treatment Credit: X/@hooliganscz1999
Two police horses and two dogs were also injured as Legia fans threw missiles at officers just minutes before the Europa Conference League game against Aston Villa.
Trouble broke out after police in riot gear forced youths into a parking lot near the stadium.
One policeman, who was hit by the torch, was taken to hospital after suffering burns.
Police later confirmed that none of the injuries were serious.
Legia fans were furious after their ticket numbers were reduced from 1,700 to 1,002 following violent clashes between Warsaw fans and Dutch police in Alkmaar.
Almost 1,000 Polish fans without tickets tried to break down the front gates as NO away fans were allowed.
West Midlands Police launched a major security operation, but violent scenes broke out when police began moving those ticketed Legia fans out of their complex to bring them to the stadium.
As a result, the match started with an empty entire away section.
Birmingham Police issued a statement on X, previously Twitter, to confirm: “We are unable to allow away fans into Villa Park at this time following disturbances outside the stadium in which missiles were thrown at police officers.
“Three officers have already been injured and a significant police operation is ongoing. Please avoid Witton Lane wherever possible.”
West Midlands Police confirmed that 46 people are currently in custody on suspicion of offences, including violent disorder, possession of a knife or offensive weapon and assaulting a police officer.
They lashed out at the “disgusting and very dangerous scenes”.
A Villa statement added: “Aston Villa Football Club can confirm that away fans have not been allowed into Villa Park for tonight’s UEFA Europa Conference League match with Legia Warsaw on the advice of West Midlands Police following a major disturbance outside the stadium caused by away fans.”
It continued: “Despite numerous requests for co-operation from Legia Warsaw in relation to their traveling supporters, particularly over the last two days, no assistance has been forthcoming in relation to the serious security issue of away fans visiting Villa Park by the away club.
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The Legion has had its ticket allocation reduced following last month’s violence with Dutch policeCredit: PA
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Police endured a horrific night in the MidlandsCredit: Reuters
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“The club has raised concerns with UEFA and all relevant authorities to Legia on a number of occasions, including this morning, that fans without tickets are attempting to visit Villa Park.
“Approximately an hour before kick-off, Legia fans engaged in planned and systematic violence against West Midlands Police officers, and West Midlands Police then took the decision to exclude all Legia fans.
“Aston Villa strongly condemns the behavior of the away fans and would like to thank West Midlands Police for their professionalism in very difficult circumstances.”
A statement released by Legia incredibly blamed Villa for “exacerbating the situation”.
They wrote: “Rather than diffuse potential pre-match tensions, Aston Villa FC’s restrictive measures as the host club needlessly worsen the atmosphere. In our opinion, such measures are counterproductive and unfounded.”
Legija coach Kosta Runjaić added: “We certainly have great fans. They support us at home and away.
“They travel with us and we can always rely on them and count on them.
“So far, since I’ve been in Legia, I’ve had a very nice and good experience with our fans.
“It would be good for sure. (if the fans were present).
“But as I said, I don’t know the content of all the events – I don’t know the details.
“That’s why I better not talk about it.
“Unfortunately, our fans were not at the stadium, and the atmosphere would have been much better if they had.
Plans were already in place with both teams using different entrances to the stadium than those normally used to protect player safety.
No away fans were able to enter the stadium as police continued to struggle to control the rioting Polish fans.
Footage has emerged on social media showing missiles being thrown at Villa fans outside the stadium.
While some Polish fans were kicked out by the stewards from the home side.
The Ambulance Service said in a statement: “A total of 14 people were treated by West Midlands Ambulance Service following a disturbance outside Villa Park in Birmingham last night.
“The incidents happened before, during and after the match between Aston Villa and Legia Warsaw.
“Three ambulances, three paramedics and two rapid response vehicles and a specialist equipment vehicle were engaged.
“Ten patients were treated and discharged by emergency personnel for minor injuries such as cuts and bruises outside the country.
“In addition, four police officers were also examined and treated and one was taken to hospital as a precaution.”
On the pitch, it didn’t take long for Villa to take the lead as Moussa Diaby scored the first goal after just four minutes.
Ernest Muci equalized for the visitors midway through the first half, before Alex Moreno gave Villa a 2-1 lead 13 minutes into the second half.
And it stayed that way as Unai Emery’s men moved three points clear at the top of their group.
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