SAD NEWS: Police officers injured in ‘disgusting scenes’ at Aston Villa match vs Legia
Before Aston Villa’s match against Legia Warsaw, “disgusting and highly dangerous scenes” resulted in the injuries of four police officers and the arrest of 39 people.
Before the Europa Conference League match on Thursday night began, missiles were thrown at officers, according to West Midlands Police, who said that as a result, supporters of the Polish team were not permitted inside the stadium.
Andy Street, the mayor of West Midlands, praised the “brave officers” and denounced the “deeply unpleasant scenes” outside Birmingham’s Villa Park, urging European football chiefs to take “strong action.”
Deeply unpleasant scenes outside Villa Park tonight, which were dealt with absolutely appropriately by West Midlands Police.
A huge thank you to the brave officers who put themselves in harms way to keep others safe.
I trust UEFA will now move swiftly to take strong action.
— Andy Street (@andy4wm) November 30, 2023
Before Villa won the game 2-1, there was chaos during which fans were detained in a coach park and objects were thrown at the police.
“Deeply unpleasant scenes outside Villa Park tonight, which were dealt with absolutely appropriately by West Midlands Police,” Mr. Street wrote in a post on X, the former Twitter.
“A heartfelt thank you to the courageous cops who risk their lives to ensure the safety of others.
“I hope UEFA will act quickly to take decisive action at this point.”
According to a statement from the police, two police dogs and horses as well as one injured police officer were hurt in the “disgusting and highly dangerous scenes.” The injured officer was sent to the hospital.
“Fans from both clubs should have had a great evening of football,” Chief Inspector Tim Robinson stated.
“Unfortunately, there were horrific incidents where departing fans threw flares and other missiles at our officers in a dangerous manner.”
He stated that police were forced to stop away fans from entering the stadium due to the “extreme violence,” saying, “The safety of everyone is our priority, and clearly we had no other option.”
