by West Brom were punished after crowd disorder and violent scenes marred Sunday’s cup tie against rivals Wolves.
Play in the Black Country derby at The Hawthorns was suspended for more than half an hour after trouble broke out in the stands as fans took to the pitch.
Midwest police confirmed that arrests were made after disturbances in the second half and one person was taken to hospital with head injuries.
There were reports of fans fighting with police and some West Brom players worried about family members sitting next to the trouble. At least one person, Kyle Bartley, joined the crowd to find children.
Baggies manager Carlos Corberan later confirmed that no family members of the players were injured but the violent riot, which saw the Football Association quickly launch an investigation, completely overshadowed the competition.
Corberan said: “Unfortunately this happened but unfortunately there was no dramatic situation with the families or anyone, because of course lives are more important than anything.
“Everything was controlled by the security people and the situation did not have any negative consequences for the families. But, of course, the players were worried because they knew the families were there.”
The FA issued a strong statement about the trouble.
It read: “The disorder at the Black Country derby between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers is completely unacceptable.
“Safety and security are extremely important, and the behavior of those involved is dangerous and unacceptable.
“We will be investigating these serious incidents with the relevant clubs and authorities, and appropriate action will be taken.”
Emotions ran high throughout the match, the first between the neighboring clubs in front of spectators since 2012.
Tensions rose shortly after Matheus Cunha fired the Premier League into a 2-0 lead and effectively settled the fourth round 12 minutes from time.
A statement from the home club read: “West Bromwich Albion Football Club condemns in the strongest possible terms the unsavory scenes that marred Sunday’s Black Country Derby at The Hawthorns.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club strongly condemns the unsavory scenes that marred Sunday’s Black Country Derby at The Hawthorns.
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) January 28, 2024
“The club will work with West Midlands Police and the Football Association to carry out a full investigation into the incidents which led to the suspension of the game.
“Anyone involved in the disorder will be subject to a club ban, as well as possible criminal investigation.”
The biggest disturbance took place in the corner of the West Stand and the Birmingham Road End, a section theoretically only occupied by home supporters.
Police and stewards rushed to the area but security had to be increased on the other side of the ground soon after as the atmosphere became more hostile.
There were also pockets of trouble elsewhere in the ground earlier in the game, which was declared high risk with increased security and an 11.45am penalty kick ordered.
Flares were thrown towards the pitch from the away side after Pedro Neto opened the scoring for the visitors and later things were thrown at Wolves’ Tommy Doyle.
A police statement read: “We have extra officers at this local derby and they responded immediately as there was disorder in the stands disturbing fans on the pitch. Two people were arrested for public order offences.
“We have worked with officials to resume the game as soon as possible.
“Another man was arrested before the game for possessing an offensive weapon. A man has been taken to hospital with head injuries.”
The players finally returned to play out the final 12 minutes after a stoppage of 34 minutes.
Bartley replaced him before the restart but Corberan said that had nothing to do with what happened.
He said: “I was trying to make the sub before they scored the second goal and Bartley had a yellow card.”
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil said: “Obviously it’s disappointing. Anyone who wants to come to watch a football game should feel safe.
“There could be young children, elderly people in that area and we should not have to discuss incidents like this.
“They shouldn’t have happened and I hope everyone is safe and there are no serious injuries and no lasting effects.
“I thought the game was played in good spirit and it’s disappointing that now it’s clear that we need to talk about what went on the pitch.”
