Seven men have admitted violent disorder and an eighth has admitted affray for their roles in some of the worst football violence seen in the UK in decades, following an Aston Villa match against Legia Warsaw in 2023.
Violence Erupts After Aston Villa vs Legia Warsaw
On November 30, 2023, violence broke out after the game, with police officers, dogs, and a horse injured. Around 300 West Midlands Police officers were deployed to control an angry mob of Legia Warsaw supporters who used rocks, missiles, and debris as weapons.
A West Mercia Police officer, Andy Forbes, suffered burn injuries after being engulfed in flames caused by a flare. He was taken to hospital. Another officer was knocked out by missiles, and a third sustained a mouth injury. Two police dogs suffered paw injuries, including from broken glass, and a police horse was cut when a bottle was thrown at it.
Guilty Pleas at Birmingham Crown Court
Eight men were due to stand trial at Birmingham Crown Court last week, but seven pleaded guilty to violent disorder, and an eighth admitted affray. Sentencing will take place in December, according to a West Midlands Police spokesperson.
Three other men have previously been convicted for offences including assaulting a police officer, possession of a knife, and possession of cocaine. Police also have suspects in Poland they are trying to bring before British courts.
Police Praise Aston Villa Fans
Aston Villa fans were praised for their efforts to quash the violence and assist police officers. Det Insp Tom Lyons, who led the investigation, said: “This was horrific violence from the so-called fans of Legia Warsaw fans, who threw missiles at officers, attacked them and hurled abuse at them.”
He added: “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.”
Details of the Offenders
The seven who admitted violent disorder are: Jaroslaw Gredka, 50, of Leicester – had his face covered, pushed a gate into police officers and dogs, carried a pole towards the police line, and gestured; Gregorsz Grabon, 52, of Bridgwater, Somerset – pushed a car park gate at officers; Adrian Mitura, 35, of Warsaw, Poland – kicked the gate towards officers; Karol Talkowski, 35 – threw an item at police; Marchin Staniec, 32, of Poland – had his face covered, threw items at police, brandished a branch, pushed a bin at them; Bartlomiej Szmytke, 23, of Poland – pushed a bin towards officers; Doran Urbaniak, 42, of Leicester – at the front of the crowd, threatening officers with fists raised, threw an item, and maintained hostility.
An eighth man, Mariusz Palka, 42, of Bristol, admitted affray after gesturing at officers and refusing to move away during the violence.
