West Bromwich Albion's FA Cup match against local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers was halted for 38 minutes

West Bromwich Albion's FA Cup match against local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers was halted for 38 minutes due to crowd trouble at The...

West Bromwich Albion's FA Cup match against local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers was halted for 38 minutes due to crowd trouble at The Hawthorns. The unrest erupted after the Premier League side took a 2-0 lead in the 78th minute, leading to fights in the West Stand and Birmingham Road end. Missiles were thrown, and fans spilled onto the pitch, prompting players to retreat to the dressing rooms. Two arrests were made, and a man suffered head injuries. The Football Association condemned the disorder, launching an investigation, and West Brom vowed to cooperate, threatening club bans for those involved.

The FA emphasized the importance of safety and security, calling the behavior "dangerous and inexcusable." West Brom denounced the scenes, expressing strong disapproval and committing to collaborate with authorities. The club asserted that individuals engaged in disorder would face a club ban. After police restored order, players returned to the field, and the game resumed after a 10-minute delay.

Tensions escalated before the suspension, with Wolves supporters lighting flares and a beer bottle thrown towards Wolves' Tommy Doyle. Additional disturbances occurred after Matheus Cunha's goal, with missiles thrown and trouble erupting in different sections of the ground. Players, concerned about their families in the stands, remained on the pitch before eventually retreating to the dressing rooms. West Brom manager Carlos Corberan confirmed the safety of players' family members.

The unfolding trouble included a supporter with a head wound and another fan stretchered out. Fans were repeatedly told to return to their seats, and discussions between team managers and officials took place before the game resumed. Despite the disruptions, Wolves secured a place in the fifth round. The draw for the next round was delayed due to the game at The Hawthorns overrunning.

Wolverhampton Wanderers was suspended for 38 minutes because of crowd trouble at The Hawthorns.

Trouble flared after the Premier League side went 2-0 up in the 78th minute.

Fights began in the corner of the West Stand and Birmingham Road end while missiles were thrown elsewhere and fans spilled on to the pitch, leading to the players going to the dressing rooms.

Police said two arrests were made and a man is in hospital with head injuries.

The Football Association said it has launched an investigation into the incidents, describing the disorder as "completely unacceptable".

"Safety and security are of the utmost importance, and the behaviour of those involved is dangerous and inexcusable," said the FA in a statement.

"We will be investigating these serious incidents and appropriate action will be taken."

West Brom said they "condemn in the strongest terms the unsavoury scenes" and that they would work with West Midlands Police and the FA to help their investigations.

The Championship club added that "any individual involved in the disorder will be subject to a club ban".

Once police had restored order the players returned to the field shortly after 13:50 GMT to begin a warm-up, with the game resuming 10 minutes later.

"We've had extra officers at this local derby and they responded immediately as disorder in the stands caused fans to spill onto the pitch," said West Midlands Police.

"Two people were arrested for public order offences. Another man was arrested before the game for possession of an offensive weapon."

How trouble unfolded at The Hawthorns
Tension had been growing before the game was suspended, with Wolves supporters lighting flares after Pedro Neto's first-half opener and then a beer bottle being thrown towards Wolves' Tommy Doyle as he took a corner after the break.

After Matheus Cunha doubled Wolves' lead, further missiles were thrown in the Smethwick Road end as trouble then also began at the opposite end of the ground.

Players remained on the pitch for a number of minutes, with some from West Brom going into the stand to remove their children, before referee Thomas Bramall eventually led them back to their dressing rooms.

"A lot of the players were distressed because that's where their families sit," said Baggies captain Jed Wallace. "They were worried about their children, that's why you could see some of them running over. No-one wants to see that in football."

West Brom manager Carlos Corberan later confirmed none of his players' family members had been harmed.

A supporter was escorted out of a home section with blood streaming down his face as medical staff tried to stem a wound to the top of his head, while another fan was taken out of the stadium on a stretcher, although he appeared to be in good spirits.

Fans were told to return to their seats on numerous occasions and Corberan, together with Wolves manager Gary O'Neil, discussed the situation with stadium officials and police representatives before the teams returned.

There were no further goals as Wolves clinched a place in the fifth round, where they will host fellow Premier League side Brighton. The draw was delayed until half-time in Liverpool's match at home to Norwich as a result of the game at The Hawthorns overrunning