Legia Warsaw fans admit violence at Villa game

News imageReuters Police officers in riot gear with shields with a red flare going off in the backgroundReuters
The eight men pleaded guilty to being involved in trouble outside Villa Park in November 2023

Eight Legia Warsaw fans have admitted their part in violence before a match against Aston Villa in 2023.

The men all pleaded guilty to charges of violent disorder at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday and will be sentenced at the same court on 21 December.

Four police officers were hurt in clashes with away fans near Villa Park ahead of the Europa Conference match.

The tie went ahead with away fans blocked from entering the stadium over safety fears.

The eight men are Mariusz Palka, 42, Jaroslaw Gredka, 50, Gregorsz Grabon, 52, Doran Urbaniak, 42, Grezegosz Grabon, 52, Bartlomiej Szmytke, 23, Marchin Staniec, 32 and Adrian Mitura, 35.

Pictures from the scene showed police officers with batons and shields trying to regain control of the area while missiles were launched at them.

West Midlands Police said one of the injured officers had been taken to hospital, and said two police horses and two police dogs had also been hurt.

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