Police appeal to help find Blues' football thugs

Police hunting football thugs today released images of men they want to question in connection with a mass brawl following the Villa v Blues derby.

Fights broke out and missiles were thrown during a clash between rival sets of supporters around the Aston area of Birmingham following the October 31 match that ended 0-0.

Click on the image on the right to see more pictures.

Police officers were injured during the fighting, which lasted for around an hour.

Officers have released images of nine men they want to identify, from footage taken from police evidence cameras, used to film the fighting.

PC Colin Barlow from the Force Football Unit said: "The disorder involved a minority of those attending the match.

"West Midlands Police will robustly deal with anyone found to be involved with disorder — they will be put before the courts and football banning orders will be applied for.

"I urge members of the public to contact the police if they recognise anyone in these stills, this can be done completely anonymously.

"In addition, should anyone recognise themselves as one of men featured in the stills, then I request them to contact the police at the earliest opportunity."

Anyone with information should call police on 0345 113 5000.

Today's appeal follows news last week that football banning orders have been handed to 11 men following a fight during the Aston Villa and Birmingham City derby in December 2009.

The men - all Birmingham City fans - were all given three year banning orders at Birmingham Crown Court. They also received prison sentences, between nine and 12 months, which were suspended for two years.