Violence outside Legia Warsaw match: Eight men plead guilty

Eight men have admitted their role in some of the worst football violence the UK has seen in decades, when violence flared outside Legia Warsaw’s match with Aston Villa on 30 November 2023. Three hundred officers from the West Midlands and other forces faced sustained violence, where flares, missiles, and debris were used as weapons by supporters of the Polish club.

On that night, six officers were injured during what was described as the "worst UK football violence in decades." West Mercia PC Andy Forbes was engulfed in flames when he was hit by a flare. The mob armed themselves with poles, branches, and drainpipes, and threats and abuse were shouted. Windows of a police van were smashed, and branches, traffic cones, metal signs, and tables were thrown at the police line. Legia Warsaw supporters tried to take hold of officers’ batons and punched and kicked out at them, as the violence continued for around 30 minutes.

One officer was knocked out when he was hit with missiles, another suffered an injury to his mouth, while PC Forbes was taken to hospital with burns. Two police dogs suffered injuries to their paws, including from broken glass, while a police horse was left with cuts when a bottle was thrown at it.

Aston Villa fans were praised for the support they gave police on the evening and in the aftermath, and there were no problems with home supporters on the evening. More than 40 people were arrested, and some 700 hours of body-worn camera footage was reviewed as part of the investigation.

On 23 November 2023, at Birmingham Crown Court, seven men pleaded guilty to violent disorder, while an eighth admitted affray. 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.

Det Insp Tom Lyons, who led the investigation, 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. Our investigation has continued since then, painstakingly gathering the evidence to put people before the courts, and that work continues today."