A football hooligan has admitted assaulting a police officer during shocking scenes of violence outside Villa Park last year.
Dawid Dembler, aged 35, kicked an officer in the back before fleeing the scene during serious disorder involving Legia Warsaw fans on 30 November 2023.
The attack took place near the Witton Lane coach park gate ahead of Aston Villa’s UEFA Europa Conference League match. The officer, who had his back turned while managing the crowd, stumbled forward but was not seriously hurt.
Police described the night as some of the worst football-related violence seen in the UK in decades.
Flares, missiles, and debris were thrown, and five officers were injured. More than 40 arrests were made, and over 700 hours of body-worn video footage have been reviewed during the investigation.
Dembler, of Anson Road, Bentley, Walsall, was caught after nearby officers saw the attack and moved in quickly. He appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday, 18 June, where he admitted assaulting an emergency worker. He was released on bail and will be sentenced in August.
Detective Inspector Tom Lyons, who is leading the investigation, said:
“This was a cowardly attack on an officer working hard to keep the peace in a violent and dangerous situation. Thanks to the footage and teamwork, we were able to identify both the attacker and the officer involved.”
Police later confirmed the officer was from West Mercia Police, assisting on the night. Dembler had initially denied the offence but pleaded guilty after clear evidence was presented in court.
Six more men are due to stand trial next year in connection with the violence.