Blues boss Alex McLeish claimed the worrying scenes represented a "return to the dark ages."

It was the last scenario England would have wanted on the eve of their bid to host the 2018 World Cup finals, with FIFA's executive committee voting tomorrow in Zurich on which country should stage the event.

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Asensio's Screamer Vs FC Barcelona
In one of Real Madrid's most outstanding performances at the Camp Nou, Los Blancos beat FC Barcelona 3-1 in the Spanish Supercup. Real were leading 2-1 after Cristiano Ronaldo's 80th minute goal, but just before the final whistle, we sealed the win with this beautiful Marco Asensio strike.
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More than a thousand Birmingham fans invaded the pitch after their side's 2-1 triumph and confronted the Villa fans housed in the Gil Merrick Stand.

Dozens of seats were ripped out and a flare was initially thrown from the Kop stand holding Blues fans into the Villa supporters.

It was then tossed backwards and forwards between the rival factions.

An FA spokesperson said: "We wholly condemn the actions of any individuals who have been involved in the scenes of disorder at St Andrew's this evening.

"The FA abhors acts of violent behaviour and we urge the clubs and authorities to identify any individuals involved in disorder, and impose the stiffest available sanctions, including banning orders.

"The FA will fully investigate the matter in conjunction with the appropriate authorities.

"The whole of English football has worked hard to eradicate scenes of disorder from our game, with Home Office figures this week showing a significant drop in arrests at the many thousands of football matches held every week, the majority of which still pass trouble free."

McLeish said: "It doesn't look good when you see fans running onto the pitch like that.

"It takes us back to the dark ages. I didn't like that at all."

Villa assistant manager Gary McAllister does not believe the trouble will affect England's hopes of staging the 2018 World Cup.

He said: "Before the game there were lots of meetings between the police, players and management groups saying the world was watching the game because of what is happening tomorrow (the World Cup draw).

"We were aware of the trouble because the fans were running past us as we came off the pitch.

"But I don't think it will affect England's World Cup bid. It is an outstanding bid for the World Cup."

Blues boss Alex McLeish claimed the worrying scenes represented a "return to the dark ages."

It was the last scenario England would have wanted on the eve of their bid to host the 2018 World Cup finals, with FIFA's executive committee voting tomorrow in Zurich on which country should stage the event.

More than a thousand Birmingham fans invaded the pitch after their side's 2-1 triumph and confronted the Villa fans housed in the Gil Merrick Stand.

Dozens of seats were ripped out and a flare was initially thrown from the Kop stand holding Blues fans into the Villa supporters.

It was then tossed backwards and forwards between the rival factions.

An FA spokesperson said: "We wholly condemn the actions of any individuals who have been involved in the scenes of disorder at St Andrew's this evening.

"The FA abhors acts of violent behaviour and we urge the clubs and authorities to identify any individuals involved in disorder, and impose the stiffest available sanctions, including banning orders.

"The FA will fully investigate the matter in conjunction with the appropriate authorities.

"The whole of English football has worked hard to eradicate scenes of disorder from our game, with Home Office figures this week showing a significant drop in arrests at the many thousands of football matches held every week, the majority of which still pass trouble free."

McLeish said: "It doesn't look good when you see fans running onto the pitch like that.

"It takes us back to the dark ages. I didn't like that at all."

Villa assistant manager Gary McAllister does not believe the trouble will affect England's hopes of staging the 2018 World Cup.

He said: "Before the game there were lots of meetings between the police, players and management groups saying the world was watching the game because of what is happening tomorrow (the World Cup draw).

"We were aware of the trouble because the fans were running past us as we came off the pitch.

"But I don't think it will affect England's World Cup bid. It is an outstanding bid for the World Cup."