A total of eight people were arrested after police were assaulted by away supporters during Aston Villa’s Europa League win over Young Boys at Villa Park.
Swiss supporters threw broken seats, coins and other objects at Villa players and police, and Dutch forward Donyell Malen was hit in the head.
Chaos broke out during the first half with Villa winning 2-1.
Officials said two away fans were arrested on suspicion of assault and assaulting a police officer, and six more were subsequently arrested at Birmingham Airport.
“We do not tolerate violence of any kind at football games,” Superintendent Paul Minor said.
“While the majority of the crowd were in good spirits, unfortunately a small number of away fans caused violence and the match was interrupted.
“An investigation has been launched and officers are examining body-worn video and surveillance cameras from the stadium where the riot occurred.”
UEFA’s disciplinary committee will assess the report from Villa Park before deciding on possible next steps.
As Villa took the lead, violence erupted in the lower levels of the Doug Ellis Stand and dozens of police officers were called out in riot gear.
The mayhem continued after Villa’s second goal, with more things being thrown at Malen.
Young Boys captain Loris Benito went to the supporters to try to calm the situation, but there was a lot of anxiety at the scene as fans clashed with police, punches and sheets being thrown.
When the game restarted minutes after the second goal, some fans were ejected.
There were no particular problems in the second half.
Asked about the disturbance in the stands, Villa manager Unai Emery said: “There has to be respect on both sides. We don’t need moments like today. Respect on both sides. I think he (Mallen) will be fine.”
Young Boys were fined £24,729 for a similar incident involving supporters at Manchester City two years ago, and around £15,756 for using fireworks at Celtic in February.
Young Boys fans left after riot at Villa Park
“An unpleasant sight at Villa Park”
Rob Jones on Sky Sports at Villa Park:
“The atmosphere was very friendly for the first 40 minutes of the game, the Young Boys fans were making a good noise. There was plenty of energy, but when Aston Villa scored the first goal, the atmosphere on that side of the stadium changed.
“After scoring a goal, Donyell Mullen ran towards the Young Boys fans, but not in a hostile manner. He wasn’t that close, but as he ran to that side of the ground, a number of objects were thrown at him by the visiting supporters, one of which apparently hit Mullen in the head.”
“He ended the first half with a clear cut on his head and bleeding, scoring the second goal.
“He scored the second goal and ran towards the same side of the ground but was nowhere near the Young Boys supporters. They tried their best to throw something at him but he was too far away.
“Following the incident, the argument between the stewards and Young Boys fans inside the ground became even more heated. Initially plastic cups were being thrown, but then at least two or three pale blue sheets were thrown by Young Boys supporters.”
“Stewards then joined the supporters in the front right of the stand and the match was delayed as two or three supporters were sent off.
“What we saw was quite unpleasant.”
Mullen was hit by an object after his first goal and continued to be upset after his second goal.
Young Boys Coach: I’m sorry.
Young Boys head coach Gerardo Seoane said:
“I think it’s normal when you score a goal to want to celebrate with your teammates. Maybe it was a small provocation, I don’t know. The fans may have taken it as a provocation, but I think it’s part of football. The fans shouldn’t react so violently.”
“The referee told the captain to go to the supporters. He went there to calm things down a bit. I think some supporters came down to talk to them and the police reacted as if they were going to rush onto the pitch, which was not their intention. This is what I know and I think they reacted a little too early.”
“It’s unfortunate for everyone to provoke, to throw things, to think that someone was going to jump onto the pitch. I don’t think it’s a good outcome for anyone and of course I apologize. It doesn’t feel good.
“That’s not usually how our supporters want to behave when they’re guests somewhere. I think in the end no one wins and in this situation everyone loses.”
