Legia Warsaw fans injure three police officers in ugly scenes at Villa Park as Polish supporters are held outside Aston Villa’s ground ahead of Europa Conference League clash

• Aston Villa are hosting Legia Warsaw in the Europa Conference League tonight
• Legia fans have clashed with the police outside Villa Park ahead of kick-off 
• Gary O’Neil has reached his last resort over Wolves decisions: It’s All Kicking Off

Three police officers were injured after clashing with Legia Warsaw fans clashed with outside Villa Park on Thursday night ahead of their Europa Conference League match against Aston Villa.

The Polish club had their ticket allocation reduced to just under 1,000 for the European fixture amid concerns about their fans’ track record of causing trouble.

However, over 1,000 ticketless fans vowed to still travel to Birmingham to support their club, as reported by the Express and Star.

Legia supporters made their way towards Villa Park ahead of kick-off, but were met with a barrier and a wall of police officers wearing helmets with visors to protect themselves.

The fans appeared to grow frustrated and flares were let off as they were penned in by the police.

Legia Warsaw fans and police clashed outside Villa Park on Thursday night

Legia fans let off flares as they were penned in by the wall of police officers

Birmingham Police confirmed three officers were injured following the ugly scenes

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There were worrying scenes as officers were seen helping a colleague who looked to have been injured amid the clash with fans.

Birmingham Police later released a statement on social media confirming three officers had been hurt as they urged the public to stay away from the area. 

The statement read: ‘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 & a significant policing operation continues. Please avoid Witton Lane where possible.’

On the pitch, tonight’s game promises to be an intriguing battle between Group E’s top two sides.

Villa and Legia are level on nine points after four matches, and both teams will be looking to book their place in the knockout stages with a victory.

Legia won the reverse fixture in September as they beat Unai Emery’s men 3-2 in Poland.

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