More than 40 Away Fans Charged by Police After Major Disorder Outside Villa Park
46 supporters of Legia Warsaw were detained after throwing missiles and flares at police outside the stadium on Thursday.
West Midlands Police charged 46 men after the Legia Warsaw supporters attacked police outside Villa Park in Birmingham on Thursday. Five officers, two police dogs, and two police horses were injured during the incident. Among the men charged, 43 face a public order offense, two with assaulting police officers, and one with possession of a knife.
According to the police statement, the men charged are aged between 21 and 63, with the majority believed to be from Poland and a small number believed to be UK residents. All except for one man are due in court today, while the other has been bailed to appear at a later date. A special court has been set up at Birmingham magistrates to hear the cases.
Officers are still reviewing CCTV and body-worn video footage to identify more suspects involved in the “appalling and violent public disorder,” which caused minor injuries to police officers from West Midlands, West Mercia, and Derbyshire Police.
West Midlands mayor Andy Street has urged European football authorities to take strong action and expressed gratitude to the police officers for their brave efforts, while condemning the unpleasant scenes that unfolded on Thursday.
Chief Inspector Tim Robinson stated that the violence during the Europa Conference League fixture left the police with no choice but to prevent the away fans from entering the stadium. He described the scenes as “appalling” and emphasized the priority of ensuring everyone’s safety.
