Fans barred from entering Aston Villa vs Legia after three police officers injured in violent clashes with away support

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.

Reuters

Legia Warsaw fans rioted with police as three officers were injured[/caption]

Getty

Police battled the fans as flares were lit by the travelling support[/caption]

Reuters

It was a chaotic scene outside Villa Park[/caption]

PA

Legia had their ticket allocation cut following violence with Dutch police last month[/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.

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.