West Brom vs Wolves: Fan trouble mars FA Cup tie between Black Country rivals at The Hawthorns

The FA says it will investigate the “inexcusable” scenes that saw the FA Cup fourth-round tie between West Brom and Wolves suspended for over 30 minutes on Sunday.

Matheus Cunha’s 78th-minute goal added to Pedro Neto’s first-half strike to give Wolves a 2-0 lead at the Hawthorns. However, play did not restart after the Brazilian scored, with trouble flaring up in the home end.

There were also clashes near the area housing the away supporters and the players were led off the field in the 83rd minute.

Image: Kyle Bartley leaves the pitch with his children following crowd trouble at The Hawthorns

West Brom defender Kyle Bartley was pictured leading two young children away from the pitch.

An FA statement shortly after full-time read: “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 upmost importance, and the behaviour of those involved was dangerous and inexcusable.

“We will be investigating these serious incidents alongside the clubs and the relevant authorities, and the appropriate action will be taken.”

Two arrests were made for public order offences at The Hawthorns, with a West Midlands Police statement saying: “We have extra officers at this local derby and they responded immediately as disorder in the stands caused fans to spill onto the pitch.

“Two people have been arrested for public order offences. We worked with officials to get the game restarted as soon as possible.

“Another man was arrested before the game for possession of an offensive weapon.

“A man has been taken to hospital with head injuries.”

Play eventually resumed with a heavy security presence around several areas of the field. The clock was reset to the 78th minute, with Wolves seeing out a 2-0 win to clinch a place in the fifth round.

The game was just the third between the Black Country rivals in the past decade.

Image: Police respond to crowd trouble in one corner of the stand at The Hawthorns Image: Carlos Corberan walks across the pitch as play was suspended in the second half Image: Gary O’Neil gestures to his players to leave the pitch following trouble in the crowd Image: Wolves’ Tommy Doyle attempts to take a corner while surrounded by police officers and stewards ‘A good game ruined by fans in the wrong end’

Gareth Ainsworth speaking on Soccer Special:

“It looked like the West Brom players really got over there quickly, like it might have been the area where the families are. With him [Bartley] carrying the child it raises the suspicion their families are in there.

“A lot of fans have probably been in areas where there are opposition fans. Just sit on your hands, don’t celebrate. If that’s the only ticket you can get, don’t be stupid and celebrate in front of the home fans who are clearly aggrieved at conceding the second goal in a big derby that hasn’t been on for so long.”

Clinton Morrison on Soccer Special:

“It was definitely Bartley and he had a child in his hands and he was calling someone else down from the stand in that area.

“I’d be going in to get my sons if there’s trouble there. Any parent would do that.

“These are scenes you don’t like to see. A good football match ruined by fans being in the wrong end. There are all kinds of horrible scenes.”