West Brom face investigation over FA Cup chaos as star admits family "distress"
West Brom are facing an investigation by the Football Association after crowd trouble caused a suspension to the Black Country derby.
The authorities will launch an enquiry after fighting broke out in the stands towards the end of Wolves’ 2-0 victory - with referee Thomas Bramall taking the players off during a 36-minute stoppage
Trouble flared when Matheus Cunha scored the second goal for Gary O’Neil’s side 12 minutes from time. Before the game re-started, fighting broke out in the corner of the Halfords Lane stand close to the Brummie Road End amid suggestions Wolves’ fans were sitting among the home support.
The West Brom players then became involved as the fracas happened near the section of the crowd where their families were sat.
Home centre-half Kyle Bartley waded into the melee and re-appeared carrying a child down the touchline to the safety of the tunnel as police and security staff struggled to maintain control.
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Matters were not helped as stewards - along with further help from west Midlands police - battled to stop supporters in the East Stand from confronting 4,000 travelling supporters from Molineux.
West Brom skipper Jed Wallace said: “I was trying to keep the lads’ heads up after the second goal when I saw a little bit going on and on. It all got out of hand quite quickly - which nobody wants to see.
"My mum and dad were over there along with a couple of my mates. That’s the family area so a few of the kids were over there which is why you had the distress of a few players going over.
West Brom defender Kyle Bartley was seen leading children away from the disorder (Getty Images)“We had to trust the authorities to do what they did. They had control of the situation but naturally, when you’re a dad, you’re going to have that distress and worry for your kids, which is normal.
“In the end, I think everyone is fine. It was just all a bit alien. Normally in the dressing-room, no one would ever go on their phones but a couple of lads were, checking everyone was okay and I think they were.”
O’Neil said: “It was really disappointing - anyone who attends a match wants to feel safe. Children and the elderly could have been in that area and we shouldn’t have to discuss incidents like that because they shouldn’t happen.
“Hopefully, there are no serious injuries. It’s really disappointing. It’s a big FA Cup game between two rivals and the respect on the pitch between the players, myself and Carlos (Corberan, West Brom manager) was excellent. It’s disappointing that things off the pitch now need to be spoken about and looked into.”
The disorder occurred shortly after Matheus Cunha doubled Wolves' lead late in the second half (Getty Images)A spokesman for the FA said: “The disorder that occurred at the Black Country derby between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers is completely unacceptable.
“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.”
The guidelines allow for a fine or a partial or full closure of the stadium. West Brom issued a statement, saying: “We condemn in the strongest terms the unsavoury scenes which disrupted the derby.
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“We will work with West Midlands Police and the FA to fully investigate the incidents which resulted in a suspension to the game. Any individual involved in the disorder will be subject to a club ban, in addition to a potential criminal investigation.”
Around 400 West Midlands Police were drafted in to ensure crowd safety. A statement read: “We had extra officers at the derby and they responded immediately as disorder in the stands caused supporters to spill onto the pitch. Two people have been arrested for public order offences.”
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