Eight men have admitted their involvement in what police have described as the worst UK football violence in decades, following a Europa Conference League match between Aston Villa and Legia Warsaw on 30 November 2023. The violence erupted outside Villa Park, leaving multiple police officers injured, including one who was engulfed in flames after a flare got caught in his clothing.
Officer engulfed in flames
PC Andy Forbes, a West Mercia Police officer, suffered burns when a flare ignited his clothing during the disorder. The terrifying moment was captured on camera. Six other officers were also injured, along with two police dogs and a police horse. The dogs suffered paw injuries from broken glass, while the horse was cut by a thrown bottle.
Around 300 officers from West Midlands Police and other forces were deployed to protect the public from Legia Warsaw supporters, who had armed themselves with poles, branches, drainpipes, and other missiles. The violence lasted approximately 30 minutes, with fans throwing flares, traffic cones, metal signs, and tables at the police line. Windows of a police van were smashed, and officers were punched and kicked.
Guilty pleas
At Birmingham Crown Court last week, seven men pleaded guilty to violent disorder, and an eighth admitted affray. They are: Jaroslaw Gredka, 50, of Leicester; Gregorsz Grabon, 52, of Bridgwater, Somerset; Adrian Mitura, 35, of Warsaw, Poland; Karol Talkowski, 35; Marchin Staniec, 32, of Poland; Bartlomiej Szmytke, 23, of Poland; Doran Urbaniak, 42, of Leicester; and Mariusz Palka, 42, of Bristol. Their actions included pushing gates at officers, throwing items, brandishing branches, and gesturing threateningly. Sentencing will take place in December.
Three other men have previously been convicted for offences including assaulting a police officer, possession of a knife, and possession of cocaine. The investigation continues, with suspects in Poland being sought for prosecution in British courts.
Police praise for Aston Villa fans
Aston Villa fans were praised for their support of the police on the night and in the aftermath, with no issues involving home supporters. Detective Inspector Tom Lyons said: “This was horrific violence from the so-called fans of Legia Warsaw, who threw missiles at officers, attacked them and hurled abuse at them. We had 300 officers, including dog handlers and mounted officers, from a range of forces across the country who were there to keep the peace and ensure fans could enjoy a memorable night of European football. Sadly it descended into some of the worst violence UK football has seen in decades. But despite this, the officers on the night displayed bravery and skilful teamwork to deliver a safe operation and protect the public. They showed real courage throughout.”
More than 40 people were arrested, and some 700 hours of body-worn camera footage were reviewed as part of the investigation.
