WEST BROMWICH, Jan 28: The FA Cup fourth-round match between West Brom and Wolves was paused on Sunday after “dangerous and inexcusable” crowd trouble.
The game at the Hawthorns was stopped shortly after Matheus Cunha gave Wolves a 2-0 lead in the 78th-minute. It was re-started following a lengthy delay after both teams were taken off the field by referee Thomas Bramall.
Wolves saw out a 2-0 win.
“The disorder that occurred at the Black Country derby between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers is completely unacceptable,” the Football Association said. “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 West Midlands clubs have a longstanding rivalry and this was the first time they had played each other since 2021.
Play was suspended after trouble broke out in the stands and both teams were taken off the pitch to wait for the unrest to subside.
Police and security rushed to a corner of the ground supposedly holding home fans as the disturbance developed.
There appeared to be a lot of pushing and shoving in the stand.
Some West Brom players were concerned for family members seated nearby and went into the stand to remove their children.
Flares were also thrown in the away section after Wolves opened the scoring in the first half and objects appeared to be thrown at Wolves’ Tommy Doyle as he prepared to take a corner.
Rashford misses Man United tie due to illness
Marcus Rashford was unavailable for Manchester United’s FA Cup match against Newport on Sunday because of illness, the club said. United would not comment on reports the England striker had been spotted in a Belfast night spot during the week. The club said Rashford had “stayed at Carrington to train as he recovers.” (AP)
