Donyell Malen left Villa Park with the prize for being Player of the Match but also an unwanted scar after his side’s Europa League stroll was pockmarked by violence.
There was a significant police presence around the streets of Aston ahead of the visit of BSC Young Boys, the Swiss team, that seemed out-of-kilter with the expectations of a match that Unai Emery’s upwardly-mobile side were always going to win.
But it quickly became apparent why the West Midlands constabulary were out in numbers as the behaviour of around 1200 travelling fans became appalling after Malen scored the first of his two goals in the 27th minute.
The Netherlands International, who was starting in front of Ollie Watkins after a match-changing substitute appearance at Leeds, was pelted by objects – which seemed to be plastic drinks cups – as he celebrated in front of the Doug Ellis Stand with his team-mates.
Malen was visibly shaken, as was midfielder Amadou Onana, who implored Bulgarian referee Georgi Kabakov to come over and assess the situation as more missiles were flung. Such was the mess, a steward was required to clear up the debris.
It was hoped this was a momentary blip but Young Boys, a seemingly inoffensive outfit, have been sanctioned by UEFA with increased regularity. They have been fined five times since 2020, at a cost of £110,000, for five separate incidents, two of which came against the Manchester clubs.
Aston Villa star Donyell Malen was cut on the head by a projectile launched by the BSC Young Boys crowd
Fans were thrown out by police after fighting with the authorities and ripping out seats
Aston Villa’s security presence acted quickly to deal with the escalating tensions
When Malen scored again in the 41st minute, to illustrate the chasm between the sides, the uproar was even more furious. Villa’s players stayed away from the corner of the pitch but that did not stop more cups, more projectiles and the backs of four seats being hurled in fury.
Loris Benito, Young Boys’ captain, dashed over to make an impassioned plea for them to behave but that served only to create more discord, as several Swiss began fighting with police and a number of them, who had spilled onto the pitch, were forcefully ejected from the stadium.
It led to a five-minute delay, with order eventually restored by two rows of police, many in full riot gear, blocking the route to the pitch. What a shame that hooliganism had come to the fore, as so much of Villa’s play in the first 45 minutes deserved to take the headlines.
All the time that this was going on, there were children in the crowd, caught up in the middle of the hostility.
Broadcasters TNT Sports opted not to show any of it.
Young Boys ultras have developed something of a reputation for causing chaos, with multiple incidents being sparked down the years.
In September, they were reported to have attacked police at a station in Aarau, Switzerland, after a domestic match.
Five fans needed taking to hospital that night after being burned by their own pyrotechnics.
Young Boys’ ultras are known for their rowdiness and have caused chaos already this year
Police and stewards worked together to forcibly eject individuals who were misbehaving
In October, furious ultras stormed the pitch to confront players after a 2-1 defeat by St Gallen – just days after a 5-0 thrashing by Lausanne.
They have won six of the last eight Swiss league titles but finished third last campaign.
