West Brom have learnt what their punishment will be after serious crowd trouble overshadowed Wolves’ 2-0 victory in the Black Country Derby back in January.
One of the most memorable moments of the 2023/24 campaign for Wolves was when the club finally got their long-awaited victory over the Baggies at the Hawthorns.
Before their meeting, the Old Gold had not won at their rivals’ ground since the turn of the millennium. However, Gary O’Neil and Co finally ended this streak in the FA Cup fourth round thanks to goals from Pedro Neto and Matheus Cunha.
Yet, the victory was far from the talking point of the game. After Cunha’s goal hit the net, crowd trouble began in the stands which forced the players to leave the pitch.
The game was then delayed for 38 minutes before the sides could finish off the tie.
Now, after an investigation by the FA, West Brom has been punished for their failure to control the crowd.
West Brom warned and fined £30,000 for crowd trouble vs Wolves
West Brom were initially charged back in back in March by the FA. However, their punishment has now been revealed.
The Baggies have been fined £30,000 and warned for misconduct due to their failure to control the crowd.
A statement was released on July 23 which said: “West Bromwich Albion have been fined £30,000 and warned for misconduct in relation to crowd control at The FA Cup game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday 28 January 2024.
“The club admitted that they failed to ensure their spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters or followers) conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and did not behave in an improper, offensive, violent, threatening, abusive, indecent, insulting or provocative way.
“The club also admitted that they failed to ensure their spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters or followers) refrained from throwing missiles or other potentially harmful or dangerous objects towards the pitch.
“An independent Regulatory Commission imposed West Bromwich Albion’s sanctions following a hearing and its written reasons for them can be seen below.”
Wolves’ victory unfortunately overshadowed by crowd trouble
What should have been a highly memorable day for many Wolves fans attending was unfortunately overshadowed by the few.
Thankfully both clubs can now put the saga behind them. No doubt if there is a Black Country Derby in the future, extra precautions will be in place to ensure that there is no repeat.
Every fan should go to a stadium and feel safe. Unfortunately, this was not the case for the FA Cup match and the scenes should never be repeated again or there is a risk that someone could be seriously hurt.