Disgraceful scenes of crowd disorder marred the Black Country derby and halted play for 34 minutes as Wolves beat West Brom in the FA Cup at the Hawthorns.
Violence Erupts in Stands as Wolves Secure FA Cup Win Against West Brom: Players’ Families’ Section Targeted, Play Halted for 34 Minutes.
In the first face-off between the two teams with fans present since 2012, Wolves clinched a fourth-round victory with Matheus Cunha’s 78th-minute goal, following Pedro Neto’s first-half lead.
Tensions, already palpable before kick-off, escalated into chaos near the players’ families section, with both sets of supporters throwing missiles after the visitors’ second goal. The disturbance led to a 34-minute halt in play, during which fighting broke out at the opposite end of the field, prompting both teams to temporarily leave the pitch.
Stewards and police worked to restore order, and amidst the turmoil, West Brom’s Kyle Bartley was seen exiting the area with a child in his arms. Another fan, with a head wound, was escorted from the home section, while a third supporter left on a stretcher, displaying positive spirits despite the situation.
Spectators were repeatedly instructed to retake their seats, and managers Carlos Corberan and Gary O’Neil were observed engaging with stadium officials and police representatives before the teams resumed play.
Wolves successfully defended their lead for the remaining 12 minutes, securing a spot in the last 16. However, the match’s outcome played second fiddle on a day marked by a resurgence of incidents that were believed to have vanished from English football. The event is likely to result in severe sanctions from the Football Association.
Trouble brewing all game
After almost 12 years of anticipation to witness this local derby live, both sets of fans were geared up to create a lively atmosphere well before the kick-off.
During the warm-up, as the teams headed back to the dressing room, the attention of Wolves’ supporters turned to West Brom’s distinctive ‘Boiler Man’ mascot, sparking a negative reaction. This sentiment persisted during player entrances and throughout the game, with continuous chants.
Wolves defender Craig Dawson faced persistent boos every time he touched the ball, despite his eight years of commendable service to the Baggies, staying with the club for a year post their relegation from the top flight in 2018.
Pedro Neto’s goal was marked by the tossing of two bright orange flares from the stand housing the 4,000-strong visiting fans, drawing attention to a Wolves presence where it shouldn’t have been, prompting security to intervene.
The unsportsmanlike act of throwing water bottles at Wolves midfielder Tommy Doyle during a second-half corner further marred the behavior of the home supporters.
However unnecessary it may have been, this incident paled in comparison to the events that unfolded after Cunha’s goal.
Despite the efforts of the police to restore order, additional stewards were deployed to the impacted areas, and the stadium announcer implored supporters to return to their seats, yet the intense chanting persisted.
Fortunately, when the game eventually resumed, no supporters invaded the field at the final whistle.
Wolves end long wait for West Brom win
Wolves’ triumph held particular significance as it marked their first FA Cup victory over West Brom since 1949 and their initial win at the Hawthorns since 1996.
Despite West Brom historically dominating encounters with Wolves, the sporadic nature of recent matchups has coincided with a considerable shift in fortunes. Wolves, under Chinese ownership, have secured European football, demonstrated renewed commitment, and, under manager Gary O’Neil, achieved virtual Premier League safety and financial stability.
On the contrary, West Brom faces an uncertain future, having borrowed additional funds from MSD lenders in November. With the absence of parachute payments, the club’s outlook remains unclear if owner Guochuan Lai, seeking an exit, cannot secure a buyer.
Jed Wallace, the team captain, stands out as one of their most valuable assets, and it was the 29-year-old that Alex Mowatt targeted with the corner leading to Wolves’ opening goal.
Wallace retreated into a deeper position for the pre-arranged set-piece, but Matt Doherty anticipated the move, intercepted the ball, and released Neto.
The Portuguese star’s approach to the Baggies’ box lacked finesse, but he eventually gained enough control to slot a low shot beyond Josh Griffiths.
Cunha’s goal also came on a counterattack, though by then, the vigor had drained from West Brom’s gameplay.
Brandon Thomas-Asante squandered their prime opportunity to equalize, firing over from the edge of the area. Both Thomas-Asante and Wallace had early headers saved by Jose Sa before Neto broke the deadlock.
West Brom now shifts their focus to the play-off push, while Wolves can entertain aspirations of reaching Wembley. Nevertheless, there was nothing uplifting about this lamentable occasion.