A police officer was set on fire during violent clashes between Aston Villa and Legia Warsaw fans outside Villa Park, prompting a major police investigation. The incident occurred on Thursday evening as thousands of Polish fans gathered in Birmingham for the Europa Conference League match.
Attack on Police Officer
West Midlands Police confirmed that a police officer suffered burns after being targeted with a flare or firework. The officer was treated at the scene and later taken to hospital for further assessment. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, but he remains shaken by the attack.
Violence Erupts Before Match
Around 1,500 Legia Warsaw fans marched to Villa Park, leading to clashes with police. Officers used batons and mounted units to control the crowd. A police car was also damaged, and several fans were arrested for public order offenses. The match kicked off as scheduled, but the atmosphere remained tense.
Police Condemn Violence
Chief Superintendent Tim Robinson said, “This was a shocking and cowardly attack on a police officer who was simply doing his job. We will do everything in our power to identify and bring those responsible to justice.” He added that the violence was “completely unacceptable” and that extra patrols would be in place for future matches.
Fan Reactions
Aston Villa fans condemned the violence, with many expressing support for the injured officer. One fan said, “This is not what football is about. We hope the officer recovers quickly.” Legia Warsaw officials have also condemned the actions of a minority of their supporters.
Investigation Underway
Police are reviewing CCTV footage and body-worn camera footage to identify suspects. They have appealed for witnesses to come forward. The attack has raised concerns about safety at European matches, with calls for stricter measures to prevent flares and fireworks being brought into stadiums.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time Legia Warsaw fans have been involved in violence. The club has a history of fan disorder, including clashes with police in Poland and abroad. European football authorities have previously fined the club for fan misconduct.
Impact on Community
The violence has shocked the local community in Aston. Residents reported hearing loud bangs and seeing flares being thrown. One resident said, “It was terrifying. We hid inside until it was over.” The incident has also raised questions about policing of high-risk matches.
Next Steps
West Midlands Police are working with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure swift justice. They have also liaised with Aston Villa and Legia Warsaw officials to review security arrangements. The injured officer is expected to make a full recovery.
