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Two goals from Donyell Malen propelled Aston Villa closer to automatic advancement into the knockout stage of the Europa League against a backdrop of fan disturbances from visiting supporters.

Dutch forward is exemplifying the team's greater squad depth, but this tenth victory in twelve matches was marred by visiting fans destroying seats, hurling missiles at stewards and Villa players, and fighting with officers.

Since the start of the current season, no team has secured more continental matches at home (13 from 15) than Unai Emery’s side. The Villa manager looks a good bet to win this competition for a record fifth occasion.

Match Summary and Disturbance Details

The Swiss supporters had contributed to the initially positive atmosphere before the opening strike. Their coordinated chants, drumbeats, and synchronized movements had helped give the afternoon start a sense of a European night, yet what followed each of the early scores was inexcusable by all measures.

Under circumstances similar to other disturbances involving their supporters in the recent past, the Young Boys ultras reacted to the first goal in the first half by throwing plastic cups at the celebrating Villa players, with the scorer getting a facial injury.

Young Boys had been fined €28,250 by Uefa and instructed to pay City compensation for destroying stadium facilities in their Champions League visit just over two years ago. They were also further penalized last season for the use of pyrotechnics in their volatile European visit.

Escalation of Trouble

But the trouble got worse after Malen doubled the lead three minutes before half-time. While the scorer smiled on celebrating with a slide in the vicinity of the away supporters, they responded by tearing up chairs to hurl in addition to further projectiles and liquid at the growing numbers of police and stewards.

Fighting broke out with law enforcement even as the visiting captain, the Young Boys captain, approached to plead for peace from his club's fans. No fewer than two trouble-makers were escorted away by police. Play experienced a lengthy delay until play could recommence and the period concluded.

Young Boys fans confront authorities during a controversial first half.

Match Performance

It had at least been a very satisfactory half on the field for the hosts as they pursued a seventh straight victory at their ground. The forward, who made such an immediate impact when substituted during the break last weekend, was chosen to lead the attack, among seven changes to Emery’s starting lineup.

How he made the most of his opportunity, sharp and speedy for the duration on the pitch. The opposition keeper had had to tip over his brilliant long-range effort in the early stages, and two other players nearly scored prior to the Dutchman nodded home a cross from midfield. Villa were utterly controlling that multiple contributors were part of the move.

The play for the second goal was somewhat more direct but no less pleasing to watch. A teammate delivered an excellent through pass for the striker to collect effortlessly through the channel after which he cut back inside a defender and drilled home his sixth goal of the campaign.

Aftermath and Finish

Perhaps Malen should not have celebrated in the visiting supporters’ direction, but the crowd violence was as unforgivable as it was severe.

A subdued mood over the next half hour as the away supporters, largely dressed in black, ceased their chants. Jadon Sancho had a shot saved, and Rogers was correctly given offside before he set Malen up for a tap-in.

But as Villa made substitutions on the hour mark, allowing key individuals additional rest ahead of the local clash, the visiting fans sprang back into voice. A taunting chant was the home crowd's retort.

When Young Boys did first get the ball in the Villa net, Chris Bedia slotting home a cross, there was a protracted video review before the goal was disallowed for an offside in the buildup. The assistant referee on that side had shuffled up his line towards halfway and away from the away fans by the time the verdict was announced.

During added time, though, Joël Monteiro scored a consolation goal, after a diagonal pass, and on this occasion video review upheld the visitors their moment of celebration.

Following the context to the last Europa League game at this venue, Villa will head to Basel in December hoping for a peaceful visit and the three points that ought to secure their progress to the next round of the tournament.