{"id":144799,"date":"2024-01-29T12:05:55","date_gmt":"2024-01-29T12:05:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2024\/01\/29\/players-families-safe-after-crowd-trouble\/"},"modified":"2024-01-29T12:05:55","modified_gmt":"2024-01-29T12:05:55","slug":"players-families-safe-after-crowd-trouble","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2024\/01\/29\/players-families-safe-after-crowd-trouble\/","title":{"rendered":"Players\u2019 families safe after crowd trouble \u2013"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The FA have launched a swift investigation after crowd trouble marred Sunday\u2019s FA Cup derby between West Brom and Wolves.<\/p>\n

Play at The Hawthorns was suspended for more than half an hour after ugly scenes broke out in the stands and fans spilled onto the pitch.<\/p>\n

West Midlands Police confirmed two arrests were made following the second-half disorder and one person was taken to hospital with head injuries.<\/p>\n

Some West Brom players were concerned about family members sitting nearby and at least one, Kyle Bartley, went into the crowd to get his children out.<\/p>\n

Baggies manager Carlos Corberan later confirmed no players\u2019 family members were hurt but the unsavoury scenes completely overshadowed the contest.<\/p>\n

Corberan said: \u201cUnfortunately this happened but fortunately no dramatic situation with the families or with any person happened, because of course lives are more important than anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything was controlled by the security people and the situation didn\u2019t have any negative consequence on the families. But, of course, the players were worried because they knew that the families were there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The FA issued a strong statement on the matter and punishment could follow.<\/p>\n

The statement read: \u201cThe disorder that occurred at the Black Country derby between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers is completely unacceptable.<\/p>\n

\u201cSafety and security are of the utmost importance, and the behaviour of those involved is dangerous and inexcusable.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will be investigating these serious incidents alongside the clubs and the relevant authorities, and the appropriate action will be taken.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emotions had been running high throughout the game, which was the first Black Country derby in front of spectators since 2012.<\/p>\n

The tensions spilled over shortly after Matheus Cunha fired Wolves into a 2-0 lead, and effectively settled the fourth-round tie, 12 minutes from time.<\/p>\n

A statement from the home club read: \u201cWest Bromwich Albion Football Club condemns in the strongest terms the unsavoury scenes which disrupted Sunday\u2019s Black Country derby at The Hawthorns.<\/p>\n

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West Bromwich Albion Football Club condemns in the strongest terms the unsavoury scenes which disrupted Sunday\u2019s Black Country derby at The Hawthorns.<\/p>\n

\u2014 West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) January 28, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\u201cThe club will work with West Midlands Police and the Football Association to fully investigate the incidents which resulted in a suspension to the game.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny individual involved in the disorder will be subject to a club ban, in addition to potential criminal investigation.\u201d<\/p>\n

The main disturbance occurred in the corner of the West Stand and the Birmingham Road End but there had earlier been pockets of trouble elsewhere in the ground.<\/p>\n

Flares were thrown towards the pitch at the away end after Pedro Neto opened the scoring for the visitors and objects were later thrown at Wolves\u2019 Tommy Doyle.<\/p>\n

The game had been designated as high risk with increased security and the kick-off scheduled for 11.45am.<\/p>\n

A police statement read: \u201cWe have extra officers at this local derby and they responded immediately as disorder in the stands caused fans to spill onto the pitch. Two people have been arrested for public order offences.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe worked with officials to get the game restarted as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother man was arrested before the game for possession of an offensive weapon. A man has been taken to hospital with head injuries.\u201d<\/p>\n

The players eventually returned to play out the final 12 minutes after a stoppage of 34 minutes.<\/p>\n

Bartley was substituted before the restart but Corberan said this was unrelated to what had occurred.<\/p>\n

He said: \u201cI had wanted to make the subs before they scored the second goal and Bartley had a yellow card.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wolves manager Gary O\u2019Neil said: \u201cObviously it\u2019s really disappointing. Anybody that wants to come to watch a football match should feel safe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYoung children, elderly people could be in that area and we shouldn\u2019t have to discuss incidents like this.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey shouldn\u2019t happen and I hope everyone\u2019s safe and there\u2019s no serious injuries and there\u2019s no lasting effects to it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought the game was played in a really good spirit and it\u2019s disappointing that things that went on off the pitch obviously now need to be spoken about.\u201d<\/p>\n

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