Birmingham City v Millwall: Police continue to search for April disorder suspects

Police investigations are ongoing into football disorder that took place in St. Andrews Stadium after the Birmingham City v Millwalll match in April.

West Midlands Police (WMP) are warning suspects that a repeat of the disorder will not be tolerated when the two teams come face to face again on 3 November at St Andrews stadium. Disorder took place in April, starting at the stadium and continuing through Digbeth to Birmingham City Centre.

A 60-year-old man was seriously injured, bottles and bricks were thrown at him, and more than a 100 seats at the stadium were vandalised. Pubs were also vandalised, according to WMP.

The police released dozens of images of those being sought after the 23 April disorder. West Midlands Police told BirminghamWorld: “We’re still trying to identify all those whose images were released.”

Match commander, Superintendent Richard Harris, said: "We’re experienced at policing football matches in the region and we’ll have appropriate resources in place for this fixture. Clearly, there was unacceptable disorder involving fans the last time these clubs met, and there remains an ongoing investigation into this."

"We won’t tolerate a repeat and anyone involved in trouble risks prosecution and a Football Banning Order." You can see the full gallery of disorder suspects here: West Midlands Police Birmingham City v Millwall disorder.

How did Birmingham City FC respond after the disorder?

The club had said in a statement in April that they are “aware of a number of incidents of supporter disorder, before, during and after Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship fixture with Millwall.”

“We are working with the authorities to help identify the perpetrators who, if found guilty, will be subject to the scrutiny of the law. The Club will also be conducting an internal investigation in line with our disciplinary policy. There is no place for the kind of behaviour witnessed on Saturday and those involved will be no longer welcome at St. Andrew’s,” they said in the statement.

The investigation into the disorder

WMP’s Football Policing Unit and detectives from Force CID opened a joint investigation following disorder at St. Andrew’s stadium in Birmingham on 23 April. They said in September 2022 that they want to speak to the men, whose images were released, about the disorder between Millwall and Birmingham City fans.

“The level of violence was disgusting. Bricks, bottles and objects were thrown inside and outside the stadium on Coventry Road. Further fights and violence continued as fans walked through Digbeth back to Birmingham City Centre, with pubs damaged along the way. Around 150 seats inside St Andrew’s stadium were vandalised during the game,” WMP said.

You can get in touch with them using Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website or call 101. Please quote crime number 20/408307/22. If you do not want to talk to the police, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. They will not ask for your name and will not trace your call. You may also be entitled to a cash reward.