29 January 2024 , 11:11
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Ally McCoist and Jeff Stelling have bemoaned the “horrendous” scenes that overshadowed Wolves’ win over West Brom in Sunday’s long-awaited derby.
The two sides came together in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, with Wolves securing a famous win over their neighbours. But the game was marred by disgusting violence after Matheus Cunha put them 2-0 up in the second half.
The goal triggered shocking scenes at the Hawthorns. Violence broke out in a number of sections of the home end as fans spilled out onto the pitch, with police forced to intervene.
The game was paused for around half an hour, while some players even climbed into the stands to rescue members of their families. The scenes were widely criticised, with former Sky Sports presenter Stelling becoming the latest to offer his view.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “The game was overshadowed by the crowd trouble with the match suspended for 38 minutes. Those scenes of players pulling their kids from the crowd to make them safe were the sort of scenes you thought we were never going to see in English football again.”
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Former Rangers star McCoist also weighed in and suggested the violence evoked memories of “the worst” violence he has ever witnessed. Speaking with Stelling, he added: “It was horrendous, wasn’t it? Absolutely horrendous.
“It took me back a bit, I was at probably the worst in the last 50 years in a Scottish Cup final at Hampden when Rangers and Celtic fans were on the pitch after the game.
Police were forced to quell the violence at the Hawthorns (Getty Images)How did you respond to the scenes at the Hawthorns? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“That was probably the worst I’ve ever seen. This wasn’t as bad as that, but it did take my mind back to that. The thing that really affects people watching that is seeing young kids crying and having to be moved, not good at all.”
In the aftermath of Sunday’s violence, West Midlands Police confirmed that six arrests were made, while one person was taken to hospital with head injuries. The scenes were reportedly triggered by Wolves fans managing to buy themselves tickets in areas of home support.
The FA have since confirmed that an investigation will be launched. A statement from the English game’s governing body read: “The disorder that occurred … 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.”
Following the half-hour stoppage, players eventually returned to the pitch to play out the final 12 minutes of the game. Speaking after the scenes, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil said: “Obviously it was really disappointing. Anyone that wants to come to a football match wants to feel safe. Children and elderly people could be in that area.
“Hopefully there’s no serious injuries or lasting effects to it. [It’s] really disappointing, [as] it’s a big FA Cup game between two local rivals and I thought the respect on the pitch between players and between myself and Carlos was excellent.”