UEFA have hit out at Legia Warsaw fans after they clashed with West Midlands police outside Villa Park ahead of their game against Aston Villa on Thursday.
Shocking scenes saw Polish football hooligans set a police officer on fire and injure three others as they pelted them with flares before the Europa Conference League clash which Villa won 2-1.
Dramatic photos showed thugs supporting Legia Warsaw charging at police in ugly scenes in Birmingham that led to 46 arrests – all of whom were fans of the Polish side.
One officer who was engulfed by flames after being hit by a flare suffered burns and is now recovering in hospital.
Dudley Police confirmed on Friday morning that 41 had been arrested for violent disorder, four for possession of a knife or offensive weapon and four for assaulting emergency workers.
Football hooligans from Polish side Legia Warsaw attacked police officers outside Villa Park
One police officer was hit by a flare thrown by the hooligans and was engulfed by flames
UEFA ‘strongly condemned’ what they labelled ‘unacceptable violence’ ahead of kick off
The violent clashes led to 46 supporters being arrest – all of whom were Legia Warsaw fans
Police horses watch on as officers in riot gear confront the group of thugs in Birmingham
A police horse raises its front legs during the trouble outside Villa Park last night
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And on Friday, UEFA ‘strongly condemned’ what went on ahead of kick off.
When contacted by Mail Sport, they said: ‘UEFA strongly condemns the unacceptable violence which occurred around the Aston Villa v Legia Warsaw match.
‘UEFA is in the process of gathering all official reports from the game before deciding on potential next steps.’
Several Legia fans forced their way in to Villa Park after West Midlands Police posted on social media that they were not letting any Legia fans inside the stadium.
The force tweeted: ‘We’re currently unable to allow away fans into Villa Park following disorder outside the stadium which has seen missiles thrown at officers.
‘Three officers have already been injured & a significant policing operation continues. Please avoid Witton Lane where possible.’
West Midlands Police then released a further statement shortly before midnight.
‘We’ve so far made 39 arrests on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and assaulting a police officer and they have been taken into custody for questioning. We will further review all available footage to identify perpetrators.’
The match commander, Chief Inspector Tim Robinson, added: ‘This should have been a great evening of football which was enjoyed by fans from both clubs.
Birmingham Police confirmed four officers were injured following the ugly scenes
Police urged members of the public to ‘avoid Witton Lane where possible’ after the clashes
A police officer helps an injured colleague away from the unrest
Legia Warsaw fans pelting Aston Villa supporters with projectiles from outside Villa Park
‘Unfortunately, there were appalling scenes which saw away fans dangerously throw flares and other missiles at our officers.
‘We were there to help keep people safe, yet officers own safety was put at risk because of the deplorable actions of others.
‘Due to the extreme violence, there was no other choice but to prevent away fans entering the stadium. The safety of everyone is our priority, and clearly we had no other option.
‘There can never be a place for such appalling behaviour, and this is something ourselves and the wider community should never have to experience.’
After the game, Legia manager Kosta Runjaic refused to be drawn on the events that occurred outside Villa Park.
‘I think it’s a different topic, it’s not my business. I’ve been in a big focus to lead the team,’ he said.
‘We represented Polish football in a good way, all other things outside the stadium I don’t want to comment.
‘We have great fans, they support us home and away. We can always count on them. So far since I’ve been at Legia I’ve had a good experience with our fans. I don’t know the content of it all happening.
‘I don’t know the details, which is why it’s better I don’t speak too much about it. Unfortunately our fans weren’t in the stadium and the atmosphere would have been better.
‘It’s not about the fans, it’s a pity but we can’t change it.’
Mail Sport understands that Legia were unhappy with their reduced allocation after Villa capped it at just 890 based on advice from the police and Safety Advisory Group.
UEFA rules allow the visiting team five per cent of the stadium’s capacity, which would equal 2,100 tickets at Villa Park.
One man was seen with a cup containing liquid that he then threw at the Villa fans
Legia manager Kosta Runjaic refused to condemn the actions of the away fans after the game
There were no away fans inside Villa Park when the game got underway at 8pm
The violence in the West Midlands comes after Legia supporters were involved in similar troubles at a previous Europa Conference League away game at AZ Alkmaar.
Large-scale disorder was caused with a number of Dutch police injured. Meanwhile, two Legia players were arrested after the 1-0 win when they were involved in altercations with supporters.
Riot police had been deployed before kick-off when a group of Legia fans stormed an entrance gate, which Dutch police said had left one officer unconscious.
This led to UEFA banning Legia supporters from travelling to Mostar for their game against HSK Zrinjski.
