West Midlands Police pledge to investigate football violence following Black Country derby
Six people were arrested after violence broke out during the match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion.
Last updated 29th Jan 2024
West Midlands Police have pledged to continue to investigate football violence after disorder broke out at the Black Country derby yesterday.
Police have vowed that further arrests will follow after "unacceptable violence" suspended the game for 38 minutes.
It was after fans stormed the pitch at Hawthorns during the West Brom versus Wolves match.
Four West Brom fans and two Wolves fans were arrested and all have been bailed while the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said Rishi Sunak firmly believed that those responsible for the "extremely concerning" scenes should face criminal charges and be banned from future matches.
The spokesman said of the disorder: "Those scenes are extremely concerning, there's no place for that kind of behaviour in football. The Prime Minister believes that everyone should be able to watch their team without any threat of violence or antisocial behaviour.
"He firmly expects anyone involved to face criminal charges and to be banned from future games.
"It's right to thank the police for their bravery in keeping people safe. I believe a number of officers were injured and obviously that's not tolerable."
Chief Inspector Tim Robinson said: “What we saw yesterday was completely unacceptable violence directed at both fans and officers, which sadly led to the suspension of the game.
“No football fan wants to see that. It’s important to stress however that it was very much a minority of fans involved in the trouble, and the vast majority of supporters were a credit to their clubs.
“Our policing operation was very much targeted against those who we know or suspect are involved in football violence, and our priority at all times is keeping people safe.
“A number of officers have been injured, and we have already started the process of reviewing evidence including body worn video and CCTV to ensure that we identify and arrest all of those involved over the coming days and weeks.
“We’ll be working with both clubs and the FA. Those involved in the disorder can expect to receive club bans and wider football banning orders.”
In a statement on their website, West Bromwich Albion said they condemn the action and anyone found to be involved faces a club ban and possible criminal investigation.
Those arrested include:
- A 16-year-old held on suspicion of an offensive weapon after he was stopped by officers using Section 60 stop and search powers in a pub before the game.
- A 29-year-old man arrested for affray after violence in one of the stands.
- A 24-year-old man arrested for violent disorder after pushing towards officers.
- A 33-year-old man arrested for violent disorder and assaulting police officers after pushing one officer to the floor and kicking out at another.
- A 34-year-old man arrested on suspicion of a public order offence after picking up a corner flag and brandishing it as a weapon.
- A 58-year-old man arrested for assaulting a police officer after throwing punches at officers.