Airport arrests after Villa v Young Boys disorder

Police with hi-vis jackets on and protective head gear on during the UEFA Europa League, league phase match at Villa Park, BirminghamImage source, PA Media
Image caption,

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of affray and assaulting a police officer

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A total of eight arrests have been made after a Europa League football match between Aston Villa and BSC Young Boys was halted temporarily due to disorder in the away end.

Seats were broken and coins were thrown by away fans in the stands at Villa Park in Birmingham, West Midlands Police said, and officers were assaulted. Villa player Donyell Malen was hit on the head with a plastic cup, thrown as he celebrated his 27th-minute goal.

Six men were arrested earlier at Birmingham Airport on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and violent disorder.

Earlier, two away fans were held on suspicion of affray and assaulting a police officer, and remain in custody.

a Aston Villa football player is bent down and holding his head Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Villa forward Donyell Malen was struck in the head during the disorder

The disorder broke out on Thursday evening in the lower tier of the Doug Ellis Stand during the first half of the tie, which Villa won 2-1.

Supt Paul Minor said violence of any kind would not be tolerated.

"The majority of the crowd was in good spirits but unfortunately a small minority of away fans caused violence and disrupted the game.

"An investigation has been launched, and officers are reviewing body worn video and CCTV from the stadium of the disorder."

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