Aston Villa: Charges dropped against Legia Warsaw fans over disorder

Legia Warsaw fans clashed with officers near Villa Park

Criminal charges against 39 Legia Warsaw fans arrested after police were subjected to "horrific" violence outside Villa Park have been dropped.

Flares, bricks and bottles were thrown towards police outside the stadium in November ahead of an Aston Villa Europa Conference League match.

Five police officers and police dogs and horses were hurt in the clashes.

Charges against seven other Legia fans are being proceeded with, said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Forty-six Polish fans were arrested after the violence erupted when about 1,000 away supporters were not given tickets, West Midlands Police said.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the CPS said: "We are proceeding against seven defendants and have issued discontinuance notices for 39 defendants.

"Should further evidence come to light then proceedings against those defendants could be reinstated."

Police officers, dogs and horses were hurt in the clashes on 30 November

More than 40 Legia supporters appeared in court in days after the disorder and were granted bail after denying any wrongdoing.

The court heard "egregious, sustained and horrific" violence saw bricks, bottles and a portable toilet thrown at officers.

Three men charged with violent disorder, one charged with a public order offence, and one charged with possession of Class A drugs are due to appear on Friday at Birmingham Crown Court.

Another man is due to appear at the same court on 16 January while a defendant is facing proceedings charged with assaulting an emergency worker.