Six people have been arrested and a man was taken to hospital after the FA Cup derby clash between West Brom and Wolves was suspended for over 30 minutes today following 'inexcusable' violence in the crowd.
The first derby between the West Midlands clubs in front of fans in 12 years was marred by ugly scenes as fans stormed the pitch, 'missiles' were thrown, and 'distressed' players carried their children out of the stands at The Hawthorns.
One man was even spat at by home fans as he was led away off the pitch with blood pouring from his head. 'I've seen it bad, but never like this,' said one lifelong West Brom fan as he watched the blood-soaked man being escorted away by cops.
The Football Association has confirmed that it will launch an investigation as they branded the disorder - alleged to have been sparked by Wolves fans celebrating in the home end - as 'completely unacceptable'.
'Safety and security are of the utmost importance, and the behavior of those involved was dangerous and inexcusable,' an FA statement said.
'We will be investigating these serious incidents alongside the clubs and the relevant authorities, and the appropriate action will be taken.'
Police confirmed five arrests were made for public order offenses, while another man was arrested outside of the ground before kick-off for 'possession of an offensive weapon'.
One man was also taken to hospital with head injuries, while another was carried away on a stretcher.
Wolves manager Gary O'Neil and West Brom boss Carlos Corberan also condemned the ugly behavior, which is likely to result in the home side being sanctioned by the FA.
The shocking scenes unfolded when fighting erupted after Matheus Cunha's 78th-minute goal put Wolves 2-0 ahead.
Footage shared on social media shows unrest in the crowd as about 50 police officers with batons and stewards tried to hold back fans.
At one point Albion defender Kyle Bartley was seen bringing his children - a young boy and a girl - to safety as the unrest on the stands escalated onto the pitch.
Meanwhile, his teammates anxiously messaged family members. There were unconfirmed reports players' families had been spat at.
The unrest was reportedly started by Wolves fans celebrating the goal while they were standing among fans from the home side.
The match always had the potential for violence as it was the first time these rivals have played each other since 2021 and the first time in front of fans since 2012.
The clash had been designated high risk, with security increased and the kick-off scheduled for 11.45 am in the hopes this would avoid tensions overflowing between the fans of the West Midlands clubs.
