Wolves and West Brom issue warning over derby disorder

Police officers are among those at the bottom of the photo, with fans in the stand in the top half of the image.

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption,

Trouble flared after Wolves took a 2-0 lead in the 78th minute of an FA Cup game in 2024

ByAndrew DawkinsWest Midlands

Published24 minutes ago

Wolves and West Bromwich Albion have stressed ahead of their first league meeting in five years that there will be serious consequences for supporters who engage in violence and disorder.

In a joint statement issued before Sunday's Championship match at Molineux, they said trouble at an FA Cup meeting between the clubs in 2024 saw 43 people arrested, 12 charged and sentenced and five given permanent club bans.

Play at The Hawthorns two years ago was halted for 38 minutes after police were assaulted, missiles were thrown and flares were set off.

Wolves and Albion said supporters could "expect enhanced stewarding, policing, robust ticketing controls and additional safety measures" on Sunday.

The clubs stated on Thursday that outcomes following 2024's cup match demonstrated "disorder, violence and criminal behaviour carry significant consequences and will continue to be dealt with robustly" by them and police.

Wolves won the tie two years ago in what was the first match between the clubs in front of fans since 2012.

'Refused entry'

The clubs said they had worked "closely with the Safety Advisory Group, local authorities and police to ensure appropriate arrangements" were in place for Sunday's Championship game, which kicks off at 12:00 BST.

Fans were "reminded that anyone found engaging in violence, discriminatory behaviour, entering the pitch or trackside areas, throwing missiles, using pyrotechnics or breaching ground regulations risks arrest, prosecution, football banning orders and long-term or permanent exclusion from their club".

The two clubs asked supporters to only use tickets bought through official channels and to sit in the correct designated home or away area.

"Anyone found attempting to access, or being in an incorrect area, will be refused entry or ejected and may face further sanction," they added.

The clubs also asked fans to arrive in good time to allow for security searches and stadium entry procedures, follow instructions of stewards and police and report any unsafe, discriminatory or anti-social behaviour.

They said: "The overwhelming majority of Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters attend this fixture to support their team passionately and responsibly, and we are confident that will once again be the case."