- West Brom’s FA Cup match with Wolves was suspended for almost 40 minutes
- Fan violence left players fearing for their loved ones in the Black Country derby
- The managers of both teams condemned the actions of certain supporters
Embarrassing scenes during the Black Country derby left players fearing for the safety of their loved ones as fan violence saw the FA Cup match between West Bromwich Albion and Wolves suspended for almost 40 minutes.
West Brom defender Kyle Bartley intervened to remove his daughter from the stands, where trouble flared as his teammates anxiously messaged relatives. There were unconfirmed reports that players’ families were spit on.
Both clubs now face serious penalties and the option of stadium closure is one of the options the FA will consider. One supporter was led across the pitch by police and stewards, with blood pouring from a wound on his head and covering his face.
Albion captain Jed Wallace said: “That’s the family area so a few kids were there, that’s why you had the sadness of a few players going there.
‘You have to trust the authorities to do what they did. They had the situation under control, but as a father you will of course have that fear and worry for your children.
Embarrassing scenes during the Black Country derby left players fearing for the safety of their loved ones
Dozens of police and stewards intervened as incidents took place around The Hawthorns
Albion captain Jed Wallace said certain players were in distress and went to the family area
“Normally no one would go on their phone at half time, but during the break a few guys were on the phone checking everyone was okay, and everyone is doing well.
‘I don’t know how long we were in the dressing room (about thirty minutes), but it felt long. There was some confusion as to whether we would come back or not. Once we knew everyone was OK, we could focus on the game again.”
The atmosphere had been tense throughout, but it soon exploded after Matheus Cunha put Wolves ahead 2-0 in the 78th minute. Apparently believing they had seen Wolves fans celebrating in the home section, Albion supporters in the Birmingham Road End stormed towards that area. Dozens of police and stewards intervened and incidents took place elsewhere on the site. There were three confirmed arrests and one man was taken to hospital with head injuries.
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil said: ‘Everyone at a football match wants to feel safe. Children and the elderly could be in that area and we should not discuss such incidents because they should not happen. I know there were families and children of players in that area and I hope everyone is doing well.”
Albion boss Carlos Corberan added: ‘We are disappointed to see this kind of aggressive behaviour. Fortunately, there was no dramatic situation for any family in that area.’
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil said incidents like the one at The Hawthorns ‘shouldn’t happen’
Albion boss Carlos Corberan was ‘disappointed’ to see aggressive behavior from fans
An FA statement said: ‘The disorder that has occurred is completely unacceptable. Safety and security are of the utmost importance and the behavior of those involved was dangerous and inexcusable.
“We will investigate these serious incidents together with the clubs and the relevant authorities and take appropriate action.”
A West Brom spokesperson said: ‘West Bromwich Albion condemns in the strongest terms the unsavory scenes that disrupted the Black Country derby at The Hawthorns.
‘The club will work with West Midlands Police and the FA to fully investigate the incidents which resulted in a suspension from the match. Anyone found involved in the disorder will be subject to a club ban, in addition to a possible criminal investigation.”