🔗 Share this article

Two goals from Donyell Malen propelled Aston Villa toward automatic qualification into the knockout stage of the Europa League in a match overshadowed of crowd violence from Young Boys supporters.

The Netherlands forward showcased Villa’s improved strength in depth, however this 10th win in 12 games was tainted by away supporters destroying stadium seating, hurling missiles at security and home team athletes, and fighting with police.

Since the start of the current season, no team has won more continental games at their own stadium (13 from 15) than Unai Emery’s side. The Villa manager looks a good bet to claim the trophy for a record fifth occasion.

Game Summary and Incident Particulars

Young Boys fans had contributed to the initially positive atmosphere before the opening strike. Their orchestrated clapping, drumming, pogoing and chanting lent the early kick-off a sense of a continental occasion, yet what followed each of the early scores was inexcusable by any standards.

In scenes reminiscent of other disturbances involving their supporters in the past two years, the visiting hardcore fans responded to Malen’s headed goal in the 27th minute by launching containers at the celebrating Villa players, with the scorer suffering a cut to the head.

Young Boys had been penalized €28,250 by European football's governing body and instructed to pay City compensation for destroying stadium facilities in their Champions League match just over two years ago. Additionally, they were fined about €18,000 the prior campaign for the deployment of flares in their heated European visit.

Worsening of Trouble

But the trouble got worse following Malen doubled the lead moments prior to the break. As the Dutch forward smiled on doing a knee-slide in the general direction of the travelling fans, they responded by ripping out chairs to hurl in addition to further projectiles and liquid at the growing numbers of police and stewards.

Fighting broke out with police while Loris Benito, the Young Boys captain, went over to plead for peace from his team’s supporters. No fewer than two trouble-makers were escorted away by police. Play experienced a lengthy delay until play could recommence and the half be completed.

Young Boys fans confront police and stewards during a eventful first half.

Match Performance

It had at least been a very satisfactory half in sporting terms for the hosts as they chased a seventh straight victory at their ground. The forward, who had a prompt influence when substituted as a half-time substitute last weekend, was selected to lead the attack, one of multiple rotations to Emery’s starting lineup.

How he made the most of his chance, sharp and speedy for all of his hour on the pitch. The opposition keeper had been forced to save his brilliant long-range effort in the fourth minute, and both teammates came close before the Dutchman nodded home the delivery from midfield. The home side were utterly controlling that eight players were involved in the buildup.

The move for the second goal was somewhat more direct but equally pleasing to watch. Morgan Rogers played a superb assist for the striker to take in his stride through the channel before he turned past his marker and drilled home his sixth goal of the campaign.

Post-Incident and Finish

Maybe the scorer should not have celebrated in the visiting supporters’ direction, but the supporter misconduct was utterly unjustifiable as it was extreme.

A subdued mood over the next half hour as the away supporters, largely wearing dark attire, refrained from singing. A visiting attacker had a shot saved, and Rogers was correctly given offside before he set Malen up for a simple finish.

When Villa rang the changes on the sixty-minute point, allowing key individuals extra time ahead of the local clash, the away contingent sprang back into voice. A taunting chant came the home supporters’ riposte.

As the visitors did first get the ball in the goal, a forward slotting home a cross, there was a long VAR delay before the goal was disallowed for an offside in the buildup. The linesman on that side had shuffled up his line towards halfway and away from the away fans by the time the decision was given.

During added time, however, a substitute did crack home a late reply, following a diagonal pass, and this time VAR could not deny the visitors their moment of celebration.

After all the political backdrop to the previous European fixture at this venue, Villa will travel to Switzerland next month hoping for a calm trip and the victory that should safeguard their passage into the last 16 of the competition.