Burnley ‘saddened and appalled’ as Aston Villa bus windscreen shattered after brick attack

The Aston Villa team bus was damaged when a brick was thrown at its windscreen after the team’s win at Burnley on Sunday, police have confirmed.

The brick was launched from a footbridge over the M65 in Lancashire as the Villa team began their return journey from Turf Moor.

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No one was injured but the matter is being investigated by Lancashire Police and Burnley said they were “saddened and appalled” by the incident.

Superintendent Melita Worswick, of Lancashire Police, said: “This incident happened as a large amount of traffic left the area after the football game between Burnley and Aston Villa.

“It is fortunate that the brick did not cause further damage or cause serious injury or even death.

“We cannot say at this stage whether this was a targeted attack, but inquiries are ongoing and will be part of our investigation.

“We are now determined to trace the person(s) responsible and ask anyone with information to contact us.”

The incident is another embarrassment for Burnley after Manchester City’s Rico Lewis was hit by an object thrown from the crowd in the season opener at Turf Moor earlier this month. Play was also briefly halted during this game due to a pitch invader.

A club statement read: “Burnley Football Club are saddened and dismayed to learn of the attack on the Aston Villa team bus at Junction 10 of the M65 after today’s match.

“After speaking with Villa, we are relieved to hear that no one was injured in the incident. We strongly condemn this behavior and will support Lancashire Police in their efforts to find the person responsible.”

Promoted Burnley were beaten 3-1 by Villa in their second Premier League game of the campaign. They haven’t scored a point yet.

A brace from Matty Cash in the opening 20 minutes gave Unai Emery’s men the upper hand before Lyle Foster netted one for Burnley early in the second half.

But Moussa Diaby’s goal just after the hour mark sealed the visitors’ three points.