Updated at 22.36
THREE POLICE officers were injured after Legia Warsaw fans were involved in violent clashes before their Europa Conference League game at Aston Villa on Thursday.
Flares and missiles were thrown at police as the Legia fans were held in a coach park near Villa’s stadium.
The game started at its scheduled 2000 GMT time, but no Legia fans were allowed into Villa Park ahead of kick-off.
A Birmingham Police statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, read: “We’re currently unable to allow away fans into Villa Park following disorder outside the stadium which has seen missiles thrown at officers.
“Three officers have already been injured and a significant policing operation continues. Please avoid Witton Lane where possible.”
The Polish club had their ticket allocation reduced to just under 1,000 after concerns over potential crowd trouble.
Ticketless Legia fans vowed to travel to Birmingham regardless of the reduced allocation.
Legia supporters were met by a wall of police officers wearing helmets with visors to protect themselves when they marched towards Villa Park.
The flares were let off as they were penned in, sparking the incident that led to the police injuries.
Birmingham Police / Twitter
Birmingham Police / Twitter / Twitter
