Legia Warsaw Denied Entry at Aston Villa Amid Fan Confrontations

 Legia Warsaw Denied Entry at Aston Villa Amid Fan Confrontations

Police clash with Legia Warszawa fans outside the stadium before the UEFA Europa Conference League match between Aston Villa and Legia Warszawa at Villa Park on November 30, 2023 in Birmingham, England.(Image-Getty)

Fans from Legia Warsaw faced denial of entry to their match at Aston Villa after confrontations with police outside the stadium, leading to injuries to three officers. The disturbance unfolded just before the Europa Conference League game at Villa Park, prompting the police to prevent the entry of traveling fans, resulting in an empty away stand.

Birmingham Police issued a statement, explaining their inability to allow away fans into Villa Park due to disorder outside the stadium, which included missiles being thrown at officers. They highlighted the injuries sustained by three officers, and a substantial policing operation was ongoing.

Legia Warsaw asserted that Aston Villa provided a ticket allocation lower than what UEFA regulations permit. They criticized Aston Villa's restrictive measures, stating that instead of easing potential pre-match tensions, the host club's actions unnecessarily intensified the atmosphere. Legia Warsaw deemed these measures counterproductive and unwarranted.

Aston Villa had not responded immediately to requests for comment. The Premier League club later acknowledged the situation, confirming that no away fans were permitted into Villa Park for the UEFA Europa Conference League fixture with Legia Warsaw. This decision was based on the advice of West Midlands Police following significant disorder outside the stadium caused by visiting supporters.