Police arrested 19 Celtic fans in Birmingham as trouble flared at the club’s Champions League clash with Aston Villa.
West Midlands Police worked with Police Scotland’s football unit and 21 fans were arrested on Wednesday night, January 29, as thousands of Hoops fans made the trip down south.
The arrests varied from violent disorder, assaults, possession of Class A drugs, throwing pyrotechnics onto the pitch and having fraudulent tickets.
Footage shows Celtic fans arriving at a train station near Villa Park, where rival were waiting to meet them with Union Jack banners and red flares. Towards the end of the video, green fireworks can be seen heading in the direction of Villa fans.
As the clip ends police officers can be seen charging in to split up the two warring factions.
West Midlands Police brought in road closures around Villa Park amid an “elevated risk” with letters sent to local residents around the stadium ahead of the game.
The letters read: “We are writing to inform you about changes to the road closure arrangements for the upcoming fixture against Celtic. These changes are part of our existing counter-terrorism strategy and have been carefully planned in consultation with governing bodies to ensure the safety and security of all attendees and residents.”
Footage also showed fighting erupting inside the stadium after Celtic fans bought tickets for the home end and clashed with Villa supporters.
One clip shows a fan being chased down stairs and punched and kicked to the ground. A steward stands over the man in an effort to stop people attacking him, before he makes his way to the exit to escape.
A green flare was also pictured on the side of the pitch as Celtic fans celebrated Adam Idah’s second goal.
The hoops now face having supporters banned from their next away game in the competition after governing body UEFA fined and issued the club with a warning about using pyrotechnics.
A statement on West Midland Police’s page read: “We inked up with our colleagues from Police Scotland’s football unit who worked closely alongside us throughout the night, as well as Aston Villa Football Club.
“A small number tried to tarnish what was a fantastic event and we made 21 arrests overall, with 19 being Celtic fans.
“The arrests varied from violent disorder, assaults, possession of Class A drugs, throwing pyrotechnics onto the pitch and having fraudulent tickets.
Officers say they placed extensive resources into keeping Celtic fans safe in the city, with a large visible presence during the day and night.
This included police horses, police dogs and officers from a range of teams and departments including drones, traffic officers and motorcyclists.
Superintendent Jack Hadley, who led the operation, said: “We had numerous resources on duty from motorbikes, dogs, public order officers.”
Celtic FC has been approached for comment.
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