Wolves' FA Cup derby with West Brom suspended after crowd trouble

Play was halted by referee Thomas Bramall late in the second half at the Hawthorns when fans spilled onto the pitch while fighting broke out in one corner of the stadium. One supporter was seen being escorted away with blood streaming from a head wound.

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 struck to give Wolves a 2-0 lead over their 'Black Country' neighbours 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 between the rival fans 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. There had earlier been pockets of trouble in other parts of the ground.

Flares were thrown in the away section after Wolves opened the scoring in the first half and objects were also thrown at Wolves' Tommy Doyle as he prepared to take a corner. With no sign of the players returning, the possibility of the match being abandoned for safety reasons had not been ruled out.

 

January 28, 2024