FA Cup fifth round draw pushed back after West Brom vs Wolves crowd violence

28 January 2024 , 14:19

889     0

The FA Cup fifth round draw has been pushed back (Image: Getty Images)

The FA Cup fifth round draw has been pushed back and will now take place at half-time of Liverpool's game against Norwich.

The draw was due to commence before the match at Anfield - which will get underway at 2:30pm - but unsavoury scenes during the Black Country derby meant it has been delayed.

Wolves ran out 2-0 winners over West Brom at the Hawthorns in the early Sunday kick-off, but the game was stopped for around 35 minutes in the second-half due to crowd trouble.

As Wolves fans celebrated scoring their second goal, missiles were thrown into and out of the away section, while a large fight broke out in a corner at the other end.

Around 50 police and a number of stewards tried to calm the situation but as they did, a brawl erupted in the East Stand, which is situated next to the end housing 4,000 Wolves supporters.

Man Utd's January transfer window winners and losers as 'new Scholes' makes exit

In the meantime, fans from a number of sections spilled on to the pitch before the players were takes to the dressing rooms as the match was temporarily suspended.

An FA statement declared: "The disorder that occurred at the Black Country derby between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers is completely unacceptable.

Footage of the incidents in the crowd, as players became involved (ITV)

"Safety and security are of the utmost importance, and the behaviour of those involved is dangerous and inexcusable. We will be investigating these serious incidents alongside the clubs and the relevant authorities, and the appropriate action will be taken."

After the situation was calmed, both sets of players emerged from the tunnel but with paramedics dealing with injured members of the crowd the match was unable to restart immediately. This left players from both sides anxiously waiting and warming up on the pitch.

When the game did eventually restart, West Brom started on the front foot as they tried to get back in the game. However, despite creating chances, Wolves held to book their place in the fifth round .

As the match didn't finish until 2:14pm, ITV confirmed after that the FA Cup draw had been delayed until half-time of Liverpool's game against Norwich, so around 3:15pm.

Kieran King