Europa Conference League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa 2 Legia 1: Diaby and Moreno send Villa into knockouts but Conference League clash soured by fan violence

      by

      ASTON VILLA are through to the knockout rounds of the Conference League after beating Legia Warsaw 2-1.But the match was marred by pre-match crowd trouble as Polish fans clashed with police.
      Moussa Diaby opened the scoring with a brilliant finishCredit: PA
      Alex Moreno netted the winnerCredit: Getty
      Police clashed with Legia Warszawa fans outside Villa ParkCredit: Getty
      Police battled the fans as flares were lit by the travelling supportCredit: Reuters
      Legia fans were banned from entering the stadium due to the troubleCredit: Reuters
      Villa stormed ahead after four minutes – Youri Tielemans sent Moussa Diaby sprinting clear and the striker cut inside and fired into the net.
      Legia equalised when Ernest Muci pounced on a blunder by Boubacar Kamara and curled a sensational shot beyond Robin Olsen.
      Alex Moreno restored Villa’s lead when he got on the end of a Douglas Luiz free kick to fire beyond Tobiasz.
      Sub Leon Bailey almost made it three with a lob that came back off the line.
      READ MORE ASTON VILLA NEWS
      Villa need just a point from their final game at Zrinjski Mostar to top the group. 
      On the violence, riot police fought with hordes of missile-throwing Polish thugs who tried to storm Villa Park pre-match.
      Ticketless Legia fans went on the rampage as three cops were injured and objects were hurled at home fans in the Holte End from OUTSIDE the stadium.
      Legia fans were furious after they had their ticket allocation cut from 1,700 to 1,002 after violent clashes between Warsaw fans and Dutch police in Alkmaar.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      But almost 1,000 ticketless Polish fans tried to gatecrash the Villa Park turnstiles as NO away supporters were allowed in.
      A Villa statement read: “An hour before kick-off, Legia fans engaged in planned and systematic violent acts against West Midlands Police officers. A decision was then made to exclude all Legia supporters.”
      Some Legia fans did get into the home end only to be ejected by stewards.
      Aston Villa were the better side against Legia More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Police officer set on FIRE and three more injured in violent clashes with Polish yob fans before Aston Villa game

      by

      A POLICE officer was set on FIRE in violent clashes with Polish football yobs.Legia Warsaw fans went on the rampage just minutes before Aston Villa’s 2-1 Europa Conference League win on Thursday night.
      Legia Warsaw fans rioted with police as three officers were injuredCredit: Reuters
      Police battled the fans as flares were lit by the travelling supportCredit: Reuters
      It was a chaotic scene outside Villa ParkCredit: Reuters
      Legia supporters were furious they could not enter the groundCredit: PA
      Four police officers were injured in the violenceCredit: PA
      One cop was set on fire by a flare and taken to hospitalCredit: Getty
      The away section of Villa Park was completely empty as Legia fans were denied entryCredit: Reuters
      It made for a bizarre atmosphere inside the stadiumCredit: Reuters
      Police in riot gear met fans and kettled them into a car park near the stadium but could not prevent trouble breaking out before kick-off.
      Four cops were injured – as well as two police horses and two dogs – as Legia fans hurled missiles at an army of police.
      One officer, who was hit by a flare, was taken to hospital after suffering burns.
      Police later confirmed than none of the injuries were serious.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Legia followers were furious after they had their ticket allocation cut from 1,700 to 1,002 after violent clashes between Warsaw fans and Dutch police in Alkmaar.
      Almost 1,000 ticketless Polish fans tried to gatecrash the turnstiles as NO away supporters were allowed in.
      West Midlands Police mounted a huge security operation but violent scenes broke out when police began to move those Legia fans who did have tickets from their compound to march them to the stadium.
      As a result, the match kicked off with the entire away section empty.
      Most read in Football
      Birmingham Police issued a statement on X to confirm: “We’re currently unable to allow away fans into Villa Park following disorder outside the stadium which has seen missiles thrown at officers.
      “Three officers have already been injured and a significant police operation continues. Please avoid Witton Lane where possible.”
      A later statement from West Midlands police confirmed 39 people had been arrested on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and assaulting a police officer.
      They slammed the “disgusting and highly dangerous scenes”.
      A statement from Villa added: “Aston Villa Football Club can confirm that no away fans were allowed into Villa Park for this evening’s UEFA Europa Conference League fixture with Legia Warsaw on the advice of West Midlands Police following large-scale disorder outside the stadium caused by visiting supporters.”
      It continued: “In spite of numerous requests for cooperation from Legia Warsaw concerning their travelling supporters, especially in the last two days, no assistance on the serious safety matter of away fans attending Villa Park was forthcoming from the visiting club.
      Legia had their ticket allocation cut following violence with Dutch police last monthCredit: PA
      The police endured a horrid night in the MidlandsCredit: Reuters
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “The club has repeatedly, including this morning, raised concerns in conjunction with UEFA and all the relevant authorities to Legia that ticketless away supporters were attempting to attend Villa Park.
      “Approximately an hour before kick-off, Legia fans engaged in planned and systematic violent acts against West Midlands Police officers and a decision was then made by West Midlands Police to exclude all Legia supporters.
      “Aston Villa strongly condemns the behaviour of those visiting supporters and would like to thank West Midlands Police for their professionalism in very difficult circumstances.”
      A statement released by Legia incredibly blamed Villa for “exacerbating the situation”.
      They wrote: “Instead of diffusing potential pre-match tensions, restrictive measures of Aston Villa FC as the host club needlessly exacerbate the atmosphere. In our view, such measures are counterproductive and unfounded.”
      Legia boss Kosta Runjaic added: “For sure we have great fans. They support us at home and away.
      “They are travelling with us and we can always rely on them and count on them. 
      “So far, since I’ve been at Legia I’ve had a massively nice and good experience with our fans. 
      “It would have been good for sure. (to have fans present) 
      “But as I said, I don’t know the content of all the happenings – I dont know the details.
      “So that’s why it is better I do not speak about it.
      “Unfortunately our fans weren’t in the stadium – and the atmosphere in general would have been much better if they were.
      Plans had already been put in place with both teams using different stadium entrances to the ones normally used to protect the safety of the players.
      And no away fans at all were able to enter the stadium as police continued to battle to restore control of the rioting Polish supporters.
      Footage on social media appeared to show missiles being lobbed at Villa fans from outside the stadium.
      While some Polish fans were ejected from the home end by stewards.
      On the field, it did not take long for Villa to go in front as Moussa Diaby tucked home the opener after just four minutes.
      Read More on The Sun
      Ernest Muci levelled things up for the visitor’s midway through the first half, before Alex Moreno put Villa 2-1 in front 13 minutes into the second period.
      And that’s how it stayed as Unai Emery’s men moved three points clear at the top of their group. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Aberdeen’s Conference League clash SUSPENDED due to heavy snow after fans were told off throwing SNOWBALLS at goalkeeper

      by

      ABERDEEN’S Europa Conference League clash with Finnish side HJK Helsinki was SUSPENDED due to bad weather… after the travelling Scottish fans had been warned for throwing SNOWBALLS at the opposition keeper.The Scottish Premiership side travelled to Finland without a win in five matches in this season’s competition, having already been eliminated in the group stage.
      The match was temporarily halted when Aberdeen fans threw snowballs at the Helsinki keeperCredit: X
      The match was then suspended due to bad weather, before the players came back outCredit: EPA
      A snow plough came on to sort out the icy pitchCredit: EPA
      HJK vs Aberdeen takes an unexpected turn as the referee orders everyone off the pitch so a giant version of Robot Wars On Ice can begin. OH MY GOD THSTS CHAOS 2’S ENTRANCE MUSIC pic.twitter.com/4sYqchsdeD— JJ Bull (@jj_bull) November 30, 2023

      Helsinki were winning 2-1 in the second half when supporters behind the goal began hurling snowballs at Helsinki keeper Niki Maenpaa.
      A message over the tannoy urged them to stop, insisting the match could be abandoned if they continued.
      Aberdeen went on to equalise 11 minutes into the second half.
      But the players were then taken off the pitch due to the extreme weather conditions.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Fans inside the stadium were made to wait for around 10 minutes as a snow plough came on to improve the situation on the pitch.
      The players then returned to the field to complete the game as snow continued to fall in the Finnish capital.
      And the conditions remained horrific until the very end as the two teams tried to see through the gusts of snow.
      Helsinki, who had also already been eliminated from the Europa Conference League, took the lead through Boureima Hassane Bande in the 16th minute.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      And Santeri Hostikka doubled the hosts’ lead shortly after the half hour mark.
      Angus MacDonald pulled one back for Aberdeen four minutes before the break.
      And the Scots’ forward Duk levelled things up in the second period.
      Along with their European exit, Aberdeen are also struggling domestically.
      They sit 10th in the Scottish top flight with just three wins from their opening 12 league games. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      European giants CANCEL Goal of the Month competition and sack boss as ruthless fans call it ‘the Chelsea special’

      by

      BASEL have cancelled their Goal of the Month awards as the team has failed to hit the back of the net throughout the entirety of October.The Swiss giants have been enduring a disastrous season that has seen them drop to the bottom of the Swiss Super League table.
      Basel had to cancel their Goal of the Month awards amid a disastrous seasonCredit: 2023 UEFA
      The once Champions League regulars have only won one out of 11 league matches and have lost a staggering eight long the way.
      To make matters worse, the 20-time Swiss champions haven’t scored a single goal this entire month.
      Last season’s Europa Conference League semi-finalists have instead conceded a whopping 10 across their four matches this month.
      Basel tweeted: “No goals in October = No goal of the month.”
      Read More on Football
      That tweet sparked some intense reaction from the club’s fans but there were also some rival supporters who found the opportunity to poke some fun.
      In fact, some of them even saw similarities with Chelsea’s turbulent season.
      The Blues are still languishing in 11th place in the Premier League table.
      And the West Londoners almost went the entirety of September without a goal until their 1-0 win over Brighton in the Carabao Cup just four days before October began.
      Most read in Football
      One fan tweeted: “The Chelsea special.”
      Another commented: “Sometimes you want to be San Marino.”
      A third posted: “Feels bad.”
      This fan wrote: “Could run Goal of the Month with goals from the youth and women’s teams.”
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      And that one stated: “What a shame. The saddest tweet I have ever seen.”
      Basel are trying to shake things up by hiring their third manager of the season with Fabio Celestini replacing Heiko Vogel.
      Vogel was on his third stint in the dugout after replacing Timo Schultz last month.
      Basel announced: “Due to the worsening sporting crisis in the first team, FC Basel 1893 has decided to part ways with head coach Heiko Vogel.
      “With a contract until the end of the season, Fabio Celestini will take over management of the team immediately. He is assisted by the existing coaching staff.” More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      AZ Alkmaar 1 Aston Villa 4: Unai Emery’s side run riot in Netherlands as Villans continue impressive start to season

      by

      ASTON VILLA returned to the Netherlands for the first time since their famous European Cup win in Rotterdam in 1982.And they pulled off a performance Peter Withe, Nigel Spink and Co would have been proud of.
      Aston Villa’s goal machine went into overdrive againCredit: EPA
      Leon Bailey started the party against AZ Alkmaar with his low drive on 13 minutesCredit: Getty

      Forty-one years on from their greatest glory night, Unai Emery’s men finally got their act together in Europe this season.
      The Premier League high-flyers produced a display which will have convinced their 950 travelling fans this could be their year again.
      It may be Europe’s third-tier competition, but Villa were a class above the Eredivisie’s second-top team who remain unbeaten domestically.
      They gave Alkmaar a lesson in finishing – scoring four goals from their first five shots at goal.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Yet this tie got off to an extraordinary start as Villa goalie Emi Martinez played cat and mouse with Alkmaar’s forwards.
      The Argentine World Cup winner stood defiantly, ball at his feet, yards outside his box, daring dangerman Vangelis Pavlidis, Ibrahim Sadiq and Myron van Brederode to come and get it.
      They refused and the Mexican stand-off continued for fully 90 seconds to the fury of home fans, before Pavlidis eventually crept forward and Martinez easily played around him. 
      That patient approach would have delighted boss Emery who had even more to smile about when Villa seized an early lead after 13 minutes.
      Most read in Europa League
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

      Leon Bailey initially cursed himself for squandering a good opening after Boubacar Kamara picked him out at the edge of the box.
      On that occasion, a poor first touch allowed Riechedly Bazoer to recover and dispossess him.
      But the Jamaican forward swiftly made amends as he fired Villa in front seconds later.
      Kamara swept the ball forward and despite it bouncing awkwardly, Bailey tamed it and lashed it beyond Mat Ryan from just inside the box.
      It was the forward’s sixth goal of the season, his third in Europe and it gave Villa the confidence to seize this game by the scruff of the neck.
      Alkmaar had pinned their hopes on their Greek international striker Pavlidis who had scored 13 goals in nine games, including a hat-trick at the weekend.
      However, the 24-year-old squandered his first big opening when he beat Lucas Digne and Diego Carlos, only to shoot straight at Martinez.
      Emiliano Martinez teased the home side with his tacticsCredit: Getty
      Youri Tielemans buried his first goal since joining from LeicesterCredit: Getty
      Ollie Watkins could not miss his tap-inCredit: Rex
      Villa kindly showed him how it should be done as they doubled their lead midway through the half.
      Captain John McGinn pounced on a loose pass from Sven Mijnans and delivered a sublime pass to Youri Tielemans.
      The Belgian calmly drilled the ball between Ryan’s legs to celebrate his first goal for Villa since his summer move from Leicester City.
      It was all so easy but Villa briefly decided to live dangerously when Kamara was robbed at the edge of the box but again Pavlidis squandered the chance as he fired over.
      The Greek did have the ball in the net after 32 minutes but he was flagged offside after straying just too far forward to get on the end of Van Brederode’s cross.
      Villa moved through the gears after the break, adding a third when Bailey’s shot was palmed out by Ryan, leaving in-form Ollie Watkins with a simple tap-in for his sixth goal in six games for club and country.
      Then McGinn capped a brilliant performance, bursting into the Alkmaar six-yard box to stab Bailey’s low cross beyond Ryan.
      Read More on The Sun
      That deadly finish clocked up Villa’s 16th goal in five games.
      The only disappointment for perfectionist Emery came when Alkmaar grabbed a consolation goal when Sadiq beat Martinez with a sensational strike from the edge of the box.

      Ollie Watkins took in the adulation of the travelling fansCredit: Getty
      John McGinn got in on the act with No4Credit: Getty
      A hardy 950 fans made the trip to the NetherlandsCredit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa make major kit change for Europa clash due to little-known rule as fans gush ‘can I buy it please?’

      by

      ASTON VILLA fans lauded the sponsor on their kit for tonight’s Europa Conference League clash.Unai Emery’s men take on AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands this evening.
      Aston Villa had their foundation as the sponsor against AZ AlkmaarCredit: Instagram / @avfcofficial
      The Villans travelled to the Netherlands for their Europa Conference League clashCredit: Getty
      And as well as wearing their blue geometric third kit, the Villans went for a change of shirt sponsor for the trip.
      Instead of the usual controversial BK8, the strip was completed with the Aston Villa Foundation logo and its light symbol.
      The foundation, first launched in 1990, became a registered charity in 2013.
      It now employs 80 people to deliver 40 projects and support thousands of people across Birmingham.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      And the change went down a storm on social media when the club posted a photo from the changing room at the AFAS Stadium.
      Supporters flooded the replies with waves of adoration.
      One said: “Love that.”
      Another wrote: “Please put this on sale.”
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      A third added: “Keep this sponsor for the rest of the season.”
      A fourth typed: “Sell a limited edition batch of these to raise money for the foundation.”
      A fifth commented: “I was all against playing in the third strip, but that sponsor is a fantastic touch.”
      Another asked: “Can I buy it with this sponsor please?!”
      And a final user replied: “That’s the sort of sponsor we should be having on our kit instead of these betting companies that you promote!”
      However, SunSport understands the real reason for the temporary change in shirt sponsorship is due to betting regulations in Europe – and will return to normal for Sunday’s Premier League game with Luton.
      Villa wore their unpopular ‘wet-look’ home kit in their opening Group E match against Legia Warsaw in September with a blank front.
      Villa’s new three-year deal with online casino BK8 was slammed by supporters in the summer.
      Norwich City cancelled a partnership with the Asian betting firm after just three days in 2021 amid complaints of sexualised marketing involving young women.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Aston Villa Supporters’ Trust hit out at the “cynical attempt” of financial gain and accused the club of failing to listen to fans’ concerns.
      Front-of-shirt gambling sponsors will be outlawed by the Premier League at the end of the 2025-26 season.
      The third kit usually has the BK8 sponsorshipCredit: Instagram / @avfcofficial
      Villa went without a sponsor against Legia WarsawCredit: Reuters More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Poland PM calls for ‘diplomatic action’ as two Legia Warsaw stars arrested after match with AZ Alkmaar

      by

      TWO Legia Warsaw stars were arrested after their Europa Conference League defeat at AZ Alkmaar.That’s after reportedly breaking a security guard’s elbow in disturbing clashes.
      Legia Warsaw stars Josue and Radovan Pankav were arrested after their defeat to AZ AlkmaarCredit: Twitter
      The pair reportedly injured a security guard in clashes outside the stadiumCredit: Twitter
      Chaotic scenes ensued after the dramatic European match in Holland, which the hosts won 1-0.
      Riot police reportedly refused to let some Legia players and staff return to their team bus following the final whistle, having abruptly closed the stadium to prevent fans from clashing.
      Polish outlet Sport.TV claims president and owner Dariusz Mioduski was struck in the face during a struggle with armoured cops.
      And several members of staff were also said to be hit by batons.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Video has now emerged of police storming Legia’s team bus before arresting midfielder Josue and defender Radovan Pankov.
      Dutch outlet De Telegraaf claims the duo “hit” a security guard “against the wall”, breaking his elbow and giving him a concussion.
      They were hauled off the coach by cops before being detained at the local police station.
      A Polish source told Sport.TV: “They [the police] didn’t want to listen or talk. The threat of an attack quickly appeared.”
      Most read in Football
      Riot police reportedly hit Legia’s owner and presidentCredit: Twitter
      Players and staff of the Polish team were prevented from leaving the stadium by copsCredit: Twitter
      The alleged incident has caused outrage in Poland.
      Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki tweeted: “Very disturbing reports coming from Alkmaar.
      “I have recommended that the Polish MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) take urgent diplomatic action with a view to establishing the night’s events.
      “Polish players and fans must be treated in accordance with the law.”
      Polish government spokesman Piotr Mueller told radio station RMF: “The prime minister has informed me that he has asked the diplomatic services to clarify the matter urgently.
      “At first glance it arouses serious doubts as to the justifiability of the Dutch authorities’ intervention and the way in which that intervention was conducted.
      “The prime minster has recommended that it be urgently checked.”
      AZ Alkmaar said: “Our response will follow later. We are in contact with the quadrangle (the club, mayor, police and the Public Prosecution Service).
      “Something will definitely come from all of us, but not just one, two, three yet. We want to review the facts first.”
      Dutch police told NL Times they couldn’t comment on the alleged incident with the Legia Warsaw team.
      Read More on The Sun
      But it’s claimed before the match, a riot police officer was left unconscious after being cornered by away fans who stormed Alkmaar’s stadium.
      Batons and pepper spray were apparently stolen from cops, who used tear gas in response. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa 1 Zrinjski Mostar 0: McGinn bags dramatic last-minute winner as Villans get first Conference League victory

      by

      SUPER John McGinn rode to the rescue with the dramatic last-gasp winner to hand Unai Emery his 100th victory in European football.Villa fans were resigned to their fate, ready to accept a goalless draw which would have left them bottom of Group E as the seconds ticked down on their chances.
      John McGinn scored a last-gasp winner for Aston VillaCredit: Reuters
      It is McGinn’s second club goal of the seasonCredit: Reuters
      But McGinn had other ideas and Villa’s captain marvel came up with a moment of pure inspiration to finally break the stubborn Bosnians.
      Emery’s men were four minutes into six minutes of stoppage time when Matty Cash broke round the back of the visitors defence and clipped in a cross.
      Although the ball was behind him McGinn twisted his body and managed to get his head to send the ball beyond Marko Maric to send the Holte End wild.
      It was the perfect ending for watching Villa fan Prince William, who celebrated the goal alongside crocked Villa defender Tyrone Mings.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Villa’s fans had waited 13 years to see their team in group action in Europe but they must have wondered what the fuss was all about after a totally underwhelming first half.
      Zrinjski were the first Bosnian side to make it to the group stages in Europe.
      Their confidence was high after coming from 3-0 down at half-time to beat AZ Alkmaar 4-3 to top the group after Matchday 1 and they managed to give Villa a couple of early scares.
      Emi Martinez had to produce a full length diving save to prevent Nemanja Bilbija firing Zrinjski in front from 10 yards, after Mario Ticinovic opened up Villa’s defence.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Then Ticinovic cut inside Leander Dendoncker to rifle a shot just over.
      Villa’s best chance of a lacklustre first half was a spectacular overhead kick from Nicolo Zaniolo which Marko Maric theatrically punched clear.
      Emery had seen enough and sent on Matty Cash, Douglas Luiz and newly restored England man Ollie Watkins at half-time for Digne, Dendoncker and Duran.
      It produced a flurry of chances as Villa moved through the gears to set up camp around the Bosnians’ box.
      They thought they had finally made a breakthrough when they were awarded a penalty after 54 minutes.
      Zaniolo’s cross was headed goalwards by Watkins and came off Slobodan Jakovljevic’s face then his outstretched hand.
      But Villa’s joy was short-lived as VAR invited Swiss ref Urs Schnyder to take another look.
      And the whistler admitted he had got it wrong after agreeing Jakovljevic had no way of getting his hand out of harm’s way.
      Read More on The Sun
      As the Holte End worked itself into a frenzy, Maric spilled a Diego Carlos header and the Brazilian defender failed to force home the rebound and it looked as if Villa would never find a way through.
      However McGinn had other ideas. More