Last and this season, most of the fan violence in Europe happened in France, but tonight, the ugly scenes came from England. In the fourth round of the FA Cup, the Black County derby between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton was suspended for 15 minutes due to crowd trouble. Eventually, the game resumed after a 38-minute delay and finished with the same score before delay – Wolves won 2-0. One supporter was escorted away with blood streaming from a head wound. West Midlands Police said two people were arrested after the disturbance, and another was arrested prior to the match for possession of an offensive weapon, while a man was taken to hospital with head injuries.Disturbing and disgraceful scenes at The Hawthorns as WBA vs. Wolves is suspended following fighting between fans and police after Wolves went 2-0 up. Objects thrown on the pitch and players forced off. WBA’s Kyle Bartley left the field with his kids to ensure their safety. pic.twitter.com/vTdaEyqINs— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 28, 2024 After the game, the FA already announced that they had launched an official investigation.”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” an FA statement said.#wba pic.twitter.com/fMyCMxR1Js— Ben (@BenjaminWba) January 28, 2024 The ugly scenes came in the first meeting between the bitter rivals with fans allowed in 12 years. Violence broke out on a large scale shortly after Matheus Cunha had given Wolves a two-goal lead in the 78th minute of the fourth-round clash. West Brom hooligans appeared to attack Wolves fans who were sitting in a section of the Hawthorns reserved for home supporters. Police and stewards rushed to the disturbance as missiles and punches were thrown at both ends of the ground. The teams left the pitch to return to the dressing rooms, with West Brom defender Kyle Bartley holding his child in his arms after taking him from an area near the trouble.It was at this moment he knew his Mrs was right and it was never a good idea going in the home end for the black country derby😂😂😂😂😂#WBA #WBAWOL #Wolves #FACup pic.twitter.com/xWKaGi6FLS— Rob (@ftfcrob) January 28, 2024 There had earlier been pockets of trouble in other parts of the ground. Fans threw flares in the away section after Wolves opened the scoring in the first half. Objects were also thrown at Wolves’ Tommy Doyle as he prepared to take a corner. West Brom captain Jed Wallace admitted the shocking scenes had taken a toll on his side.”You focus on the game and then it’s kicking off. A lot of the players were distressed because that’s where their families sit. They were worried about their children, that’s why you could see some of them running over. No-one wants to see that in football. They’re two huge clubs with passionate supporters. You hope it keeps a lid on it at times” he said.FA CUP Fourth RoundFriday Chelsea – Aston Villa 0-0Sheffield W. – Coventry 1-1 (0-1)/Gassama 84 – Torp 45/Bristol City – Nott.Forest 0-0Tottenham – Man.City 0-1 (0-0)/Ake 88/Saturday Ipswich – Maidstone Utd 1-2 (0-1)/Sarmiento 56 – Reynolds 43, Corne 66/Leeds – Plymouth 1-1 (1-0)/Anthony 31 – Randell 73/Sheffield Utd – Brighton 2-5 (2-2)/Hamer 44, Osula 45+8 – Buonanotte 14, Joao Pedro 29 pen, 52 pen, 67, Welbeck 90+7/Leicester – Birmingham 3-0 (0-0)/Vardy 47, Akgun 72, Praet 88/Everton – Luton 1-2 (0-1)/Harrison 59 – Mykolenko 39 og, Woodrow 90+6/Fulham – Newcastle 0-2 (0-1)/Longstaff 39, Burn 61/Sunday West Bromwich – Wolves 0-2 (0-1)/Neto 38, Cunha 78/Liverpool – Norwich 5-2 (2-1)/Jones 16, Nunez 28, Jota 53, Van Dijk 63, Gravenberch 90+5 – GIbson 22, Sainz 69/Watford Southampton 1-1 (1-0)/Martins 5 – Armstrong 89/19.30: (18.0) Newport (11.0) Man.Utd. (1.10)Monday 22.30: (1.65) Blackburn (4.00) Wrexham (5.20)***odds are subject to change
