A Bridgwater man is one of eight who have admitted taking part in violent hooliganism after police officers were attacked at a 2023 football match.
Gregorsz Grabon, 52, from Bridgwater, pleaded guilty to charges of violent disorder at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, and will be sentenced at the same court on 21 December this year.
Shocking new footage shows the moment a police officer was engulfed in flames after being attacked by hooligans during the "worst violence seen in decades" at a match between Legia Warsaw and Aston Villa in November 2023.
In the video, PC Andy Forbes can be seen struggling to remove his jacket after the flare became lodged in his police uniform - he suffered burns and was taken to hospital.
Read more
Alarm after unknown drone flown over Bridgwater school's sports day
Man left needing surgery as Bridgwater pub attack leaves him with 'serious injuries'
Police investigating drone 'voyeurism' in Bridgwater
Four police officers were hurt in clashes with away fans near Villa Park stadium, Birmingham, ahead of the Europa Conference match.
Legia Warsaw supporters armed themselves with poles and drainpipes and threw bricks and bottles at the 300 police officers present.
One officer was knocked out when he was hit with missiles, while another suffered an injury to his mouth.
Two police dogs suffered injuries to their paws, while a police horse was left with cuts after a bottle was thrown at it.
More than 40 people were arrested, and 700 hours of body-worn camera footage was reviewed.
Seven men have now pleaded guilty to violent disorder, while an eighth admitted affray.
Gregorsz Grabon, from Bridgwater, admitted pushing a car park gate at officers as the violence continued.
The other six men who admitted violent disorder are Jaroslaw Gredka, 50, of Leicester, Adrian Mitura, 35, of Warsaw, Karol Talkowski, 35, Marchin Staniec, 32, of Poland, Bartlomiej Szmytke, 23, of Poland and Doran Urbaniak, 42, of Leicester.
Mariusz Palka, 42, of Bristol, admitted affray.
Det Insp Tom Lyons, who led the investigation, said: "This was horrific violence from the so-called fans of Legia Warsaw fans, who threw missiles at officers, attacked them and hurled abuse at them.
"Sadly it descended into some of the worst violence UK football has seen in decades.
"But despite this, the officers on the night displayed bravery and skilful teamwork to deliver a safe operation and protect the public. They showed real courage throughout.
"Our investigation has continued since then, painstakingly gathering the evidence to put people before the courts, and that work continues today."
