Eight men have admitted their part in the violence outside Villa Park following Aston Villa’s match against Legia Warsaw in November 2023, as West Midlands Police release never-before-seen footage of the disorder
Eight men have pleaded guilty to their involvement in what police have called some of the most severe football-related violence seen in the UK for decades.
Officers came under attack outside Villa Park following a fixture with Legia Warsaw in November 2023. PC Andy Forbes sustained burns after a flare became lodged in his uniform during the disturbances in a harrowing incident captured on film. Several other officers were hurt, alongside police dogs and a police horse.
The Legia Warsaw supporters had equipped themselves with poles and drainpipes as approximately 300 officers were deployed to safeguard the public on 30 November, reports Birmingham Live.
Aston Villa supporters were not implicated in the violence, police confirmed. Seven men have now admitted violent disorder in connection with the incident, while an eighth has pleaded guilty to affray.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “Three hundred officers from the West Midlands and a number of other forces faced sustained violence, where flares, missiles, and debris were used as weapons by supporters of the Polish football club. Today, we can release never-before-seen footage showing the full extent of the disorder that officers faced.
“On 30 November, 2023, six officers were injured during what was described as the ‘worst UK football violence in decades’, and 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 were reviewed as part of the investigation.
“Last week at Birmingham Crown Court, eight men were due to stand trial for their involvement in the night’s events. But seven have now 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. Our investigation into the disorder continues, with suspects in Poland who we are seeking to bring before the British courts.”
The seven who admitted violent disorder are:
- Jaroslaw Gredka, 50, of Leicester – He had his face covered, as he pushed a gate into police officers and dogs. Carried a pole towards the police line and gestured to officers
- Gregorsz Grabon, 52, of Bridgwater, Somerset – Pushed a car park gate at officers as the violence continued
- Adrian Mitura, 35, of Warsaw, Poland – Kicked the gate towards officers
- Karol Talkowski, 35 – Threw an item at police
- Marchin Staniec, 32, of Poland, – His face was covered as he threw items at police and brandished a branch over his head. He threw an item at police and pushed a bin at them
- Bartlomiej Szmytke, 23, of Poland, – Pushed a bin towards officers in Witton Lane
- Doran Urbaniak, 42, of Leicester – He was at the front of the crowd on Station Road, threatening officers with his fists raised before throwing an item at the police. He was instrumental in maintaining the crowd’s hostility to police.
- An eighth man, Mariusz Palka, 42, of Bristol, admitted affray after gesturing at officers as he refused to move away during the violence
Det Insp Tom Lyons added: “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. 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.”