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11 months ago
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Aston Villa fans were forced to cram into what looked like a cage as they watched their side away at Bosnian outfit Zrinjski Mostar on Thursday night.
Unai Emery's high-flying Villans were looking to secure their spot at the top of their Europa Conference League group ahead of the clash as they continue to enjoy a fine season.
They did just that as they earned a 1-1 draw thanks to Nicolo Zaniolo's first goal for the club, before Matija Malekinusic equalised late on.
Villa were backed by 490 travelling supporters who made the near 1,500-mile journey to the Bosnian city but they were segregated into an area that was bordered off like a cage and looked extremely unsafe.
Although they were not near home fans, Villa's contingent at the Bijeli Brijeg Stadium were surrounded at the front, side and back with a metal structure, while they were further penned in by a netting above.
Aston Villa fans were forced to cram into a cage for their trip to Bosnian side Zrinjski Mostar
The 490 travelling Villa supporters were surrounded by metal structures and netting
The views of the pitch were also poor from the distant away end at the Bijeli Brijeg Stadium
The conditions for the travelling contingent seemed extremely unsafe and outdated
Despite an attendance of just 6,610 in a 9,000 capacity stadium, the views from the away end were obstructed by the cage-like structure.
Football fans on social media were quick to hit out at the treatment of the Villa faithful, which comes after Arsenal supporters were forced to watch their clash against PSV in Eindhoven through netting and window-like panels.
One simply said: 'Why are they caged?,' while another added: 'Fans should never be treated like this that's appalling.'
A further fan also hit out at the treatment as they said: 'Embarrassing, if clubs can't provide a better service to fans they shouldn't be allowed to enter the competition....'
Another supporter added: 'Blimey. They seem to have travelled to England in 1980.'
Other users hit out at European football's governing body as they fumed: 'Looks like another @UEFA magical football experience', with another adding: 'No way to watch football in 2023. Fair play to those who travelled.'
Villa fans shared photos from the away end as one user quipped: 'Interesting day out', while another added: 'View from inside the cage'.
Villa's Europa Conference League group has seen several incidents involving supporters.
Most notably, their home game with Legia Warsaw at Villa Park last month saw the Polish side's fans involved in violent clashes with local police.
Legia ultimately saw their fans banned from their next five European away games, while 46 men were also charged.
Several football supporters on social media hit out at the 'appalling' treatment of Villa fans
Unai Emery's side drew 1-1 to ensure they topped their Europa Conference League group
It came after others had complained about the views Arsenal fans received at PSV this week
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That came after AZ Alkmaar fans had been involved in clashes with two Legia players during their group stage match in the Netherlands in October, while Legia fans had also caused what was described as 'large-scale disorder' at the same match.
Villa didn't comment on the treatment of their supporters after Thursday's game in Mostar, instead paying tribute on X, formerly Twitter, to the travelling contingent.
They posted a photo of the away end and said: 'Your unrivalled dedication is always appreciated, Villans.
'Thank you for your outstanding support tonight and throughout our Group E campaign.'
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