Two held over Aston Villa Euro disorder in 2023

Two men have been arrested over violence that broke out before an Aston Villa game against Legia Warsaw in November 2023.

Five officers were injured after fans of the Polish football club clashed with the force and used flares and debris as weapons ahead of the Europa Conference League match at Villa Park, West Midlands Police said.

Officers worked alongside the Met police and arrested a 45-year-old man and 30-year-old man on suspicion of violent disorder, during Chelsea's home match against Legia Warsaw on Thursday evening.

The pair remain in custody while enquiries continue, the force said.

Officers were sent to the fixture at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening to look for outstanding suspects.

Det Insp Tom Lyons from West Midlands Police said: "We worked closely alongside the Met Police to make these arrests and it just goes to show how relentless we are in pursuing suspects."

A spokesperson for the force added that the disorder had been described as the "worst football violence in decades".

They added that following the clash more than 40 people had been arrested.

The 45 year-old man was also arrested under the extradition act as he was wanted by Polish authorities for offences relating to burglary, robbery and drug trafficking, the force said.

Two trials have been set for 2025 and 2026.

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