Eight men have admitted their roles in what police describe as the worst UK football violence in decades, following disturbances outside Villa Park after Aston Villa's match against Legia Warsaw in November 2023. West Midlands Police have released never-before-seen footage showing the extent of the disorder.
Violence Erupts After European Fixture
On 30 November 2023, approximately 300 police officers from West Midlands and other forces faced sustained violence from Legia Warsaw supporters. The Polish fans armed themselves with poles, branches, and drainpipes, throwing flares, missiles, and debris at officers. Six officers were injured, including PC Andy Forbes from West Mercia Police, who suffered burns after a flare lodged in his uniform. Two police dogs sustained paw injuries from broken glass, and a police horse was cut by a thrown bottle.
Guilty Pleas and Charges
Seven men pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Birmingham Crown Court, while an eighth admitted affray. Sentencing is set for December. The eight men are: Jaroslaw Gredka, 50, of Leicester; Gregorsz Grabon, 52, of Bridgwater, Somerset; Adrian Mitura, 35, of Warsaw, Poland; Karol Talkowski, 35; Marchin Staniec, 32, of Poland; Bartlomiej Szmytke, 23, of Poland; Doran Urbaniak, 42, of Leicester; and Mariusz Palka, 42, of Bristol, who admitted affray.
Police Praise and Ongoing Investigation
Aston Villa supporters were not implicated and were praised for assisting police. More than 40 people were arrested, and 700 hours of body-worn camera footage were reviewed. Three others have been convicted for related offences. Detective Inspector Tom Lyons said: "This was horrific violence from the so-called fans of Legia Warsaw... officers on the night displayed bravery and skilful teamwork to deliver a safe operation."
