Following Matheus Cunha’s goal to put Wolves 2-0 up at The Hawthorns, ugly scenes erupted in the stands at the West Stand and Birmingham Road End. Fans flooded onto the pitch, with reports of supporters, including children, seeking refuge from the chaos in the crowd. It was believed that some Wolves supporters were among the home supporters. Police and medical personnel intervened quickly, using batons to handle the troublemakers.
A video clip of the incident was posted on social media, and ITV commentator Sam Matterface mentioned during the coverage that the broadcasting of the scenes was being scaled back due to their undesirability. Co-commentator Lee Dixon stated that some West Brom players were attempting to calm their fans down, and police were struggling to identify Wolves fans in the home end.
During the stoppage, some fans on the pitch taunted the opposition supporters before being escorted away by security. One fan was taken away on a stretcher. The Football Association released a statement deeming the disorder “completely unacceptable” and promising a thorough investigation.
The game was suspended for 35 minutes before being restarted for the final 12 minutes plus added time. There were no further incidents as Wolves secured a 2-0 win, the club’s first at The Hawthorns since 1996. West Midlands police reported six arrests for public order offenses and one person taken to the hospital with head injuries.
West Brom issued a statement condemning the violent scenes, expressing their commitment to working with the authorities and the Football Association to investigate the incidents. Wolves have not yet released a statement regarding the events.
