Police make 28 arrests at Villa versus Blues derby

Last night's Capital One Cup derby between Aston Villa and Birmingham City at Villa Park "passed off without any major disorder", although 28 people were arrested for offences including violent disorder, invading the pitch and breaching banning orders, police said.

Several windows were smashed at the Manor Tavern Pub in Portland, which led to one person suffering a minor head injury. West Midlands Police said 11 people were arrested in connection with the incident.

Police presence outside the stadium before the match Credit: PA

The policing operation meant there was little cross-over between the two sets of supporters. The match saw Aston Villa progress to the fourth round, beating Birmingham 1-0.

Aston Villa's Micah Richards celebrates after the Capital One Cup, third round match at Villa Park. Credit: PA

Chief Superintendent Steve Graham, from West Midlands Police, said:

Breakdown of arrests

  • 11 men aged from 19 to 49 in connection with disorder at the Manor Tavern pub;

  • Six men on suspicion of public order offences;

  • Two men aged 21 and 27 for breaching football banning orders;

  • Two men aged 44 and 38 on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly;

  • One man aged 32 arrested on suspicion of invading the pitch;

  • One man aged 34 on suspicion of affray;

  • One man aged 25 on suspicion of assault;

  • Four other men were arrested by British Transport Police on suspicion of assault breaching a banning order and two for public order offences.