WARNING, GRAPHIC VIOLENCE: Football hooligans terrorised police with one officer engulfed in flames, a bottle thrown at a horse and two force dogs injured
Disturbing new video footage shows the moment a police officer was engulfed in flames after being attacked by hooligans during the “worst violence seen in decades” at a football match.
Eight men have pleaded guilty to their involvement in the ugly scenes, which saw Legia Warsaw thugs clashing with officers ahead of their game with Aston Villa in Birmingham in November 2023. Cops came under attack by Polish yobs who had armed themselves with poles and drainpipes.
Ahead of the Europa Conference League clash, burning flares, bricks and bottles were hurled towards 300 officers during “90 minutes of sustained violence” outside Villa Park. Newly-released footage shows the moment one officer was set alight by a flare thrown by the car park reserved for away coaches along Witton Lane.
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In the video, PC Andy Forbes can be seen struggling to remove his jacket after the flare became lodged in his police jacket – he suffered burns and was taken to hospital.
Legia Warsaw thugs were also captured on camera hurling debris at the officers who rallied to hold the violent fans back.
One officer was knocked out when he was hit with missiles, while another suffered an injury to his mouth. Two police dogs suffered injuries to their paws, while a police horse was left with cuts after a bottle was thrown at it.
WARNING GRAPHIC VIOLENCE
More than 40 people were arrested, and 700 hours of body-worn camera footage was reviewed.
At Birmingham Crown Court last week, 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 – they are due to be sentenced in December.
Detective Inspector Tom Lyons, of West Midlands Police, said: “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 skillful 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.”
The seven who admitted violent disorder were: Jaroslaw Gredka, 50, of Leicester, Gregorsz Grabon, 52, of Bridgwater, Somerset, Adrian Mitura, 35, of Warsaw, Karol Talkowski, 35, Marchin Staniec, 32, of Poland, Bartlomiej Szmytke, 23, of Poland and Doran Urbaniak, 42, of Leicester.
Mariusz Palka, 42, of Bristol, admitted affray.