LEGIA WARSAW fans were denied entry to Villa Park at the start of last night’s crunch Group E tie against Aston Villa after violence erupted prior to kick off.
Police in riot gear met Legia fans and kettled them into a car park near the stadium but could not prevent trouble breaking out one hour before kick-off.
ReutersLegia Warsaw fans rioted with police as three officers were injured[/caption]
GettyPolice battled the fans as flares were lit by the travelling support[/caption]
ReutersIt was a chaotic scene outside Villa Park[/caption]
PALegia had their ticket allocation cut following violence with Dutch police last month[/caption]
ReutersThe away section of Villa Park was completely empty as Legia fans were denied entry[/caption]
At least three police officers were injured as Legia fans hurled missiles at an army of police.
Legia fans were furious after they had their allocation cut from 1700 to 1010 tickets, following violent clashes between Warsaw fans and Dutch police in Alkmaar.
But almost 1,000 ticketless Polish fans vowed to join their support and try to storm Villa Park turnstiles.
West Midlands Police mounted a huge security operation but violent scenes broke out when police began to move Legia fans from their compound to march them to the stadium.
Birmingham Police issued a statement on X to confirm: “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 police operation continues. Please avoid Witton Lane where possible.”
The match kicked off with the visitors’ section empty as police continued to battle to restore control of the rioting Polish fans.
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