Eight men have pleaded guilty to charges related to violent disorder and affray that occurred in November 2023, described by police as among the worst football-related violence seen in decades. The incidents unfolded in Birmingham, England, ahead of a Europa Conference League match between Aston Villa and Legia Warsaw.
Officers were attacked by individuals described as Polish hooligans who had armed themselves with poles and drainpipes. During the confrontation, which lasted approximately 90 minutes, approximately 300 officers faced a barrage of burning flares, bricks, and bottles. More than 40 arrests were made, and investigators reviewed around 700 hours of body-worn camera footage as part of the extensive investigation.
New footage captured the moment one police officer was engulfed in flames after a flare struck and became lodged in his clothing. PC Andy Forbes, an 18-year veteran of public order policing, described the intense heat and light as the flare ignited his jacket. He managed to extinguish the flames with the help of six colleagues and by employing the 'stop, drop, and roll' technique, suffering burns but fortunately avoiding lasting injuries. He described the scene as akin to a film and unlike anything he had previously policed.
Other officers sustained injuries, including one who was knocked unconscious by missiles, another with a mouth injury, and two police dogs and a police horse that were injured by thrown debris. In response to the violence, all Legia Warsaw fans were refused entry into the stadium for the match. Despite this, a small group managed to breach security and could be heard cheering when Legia scored.
Seven men pleaded guilty to violent disorder, and an eighth admitted to affray. They are scheduled for sentencing in December. Three other individuals had previously been convicted for offenses including assaulting a police officer, possession of a knife, and possession of cocaine.
Detective Inspector Tom Lyons of West Midlands Police stated that the violence was horrific and acknowledged the bravery and teamwork of the officers who worked to ensure public safety. Following the disorder, Legia Warsaw was fined approximately £100,000, banned from attending their next five European away games, and ordered to pay for damages to Villa Park.
Barry Horton, chair of the West Mercia Police Federation, condemned the unacceptable violence faced by officers, emphasizing that they should not have to endure such threats while performing their duties.