Clashes and charges: violence before Aston Villa and Legia Warsaw game 

Forty-six people have been arrested after violence broke out before an Aston Villa match against Legia Warsaw.

Police Injured in Altercation

During Thursday night’s events near Villa Park in Birmingham, clashes between away fans and police led to injuries sustained by five officers.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

West Midlands Police revealed that 46 individuals faced charges following the altercation. Of these, 43 were charged with public order offenses. Later, 45 of the charged individuals were set to appear before a specialized court convened at Birmingham Magistrates.

Serious Charges: Assault and Possession

Two individuals among those charged faced serious allegations, including assault on police officers. One of them was also accused of possessing a knife during the altercation.

Demographics of the Charged

The ages of the charged individuals ranged from 21 to 63, with the majority—40 individuals—believed to be from Poland. A smaller number were identified as residents of the UK.

Fan Accounts of Chaos

Villa fans reported a tumultuous scene outside Villa Park preceding the club’s European Conference League fixture against a Polish team, describing the situation as chaotic and disorderly.