Ticketing And Security In Focus After An Incident‑Filled Weekend
The sporadic crowd trouble within the stadium at The Hawthorns was shocking and frightening for many concerned, in a throwback to all the fantastic efforts that authorities have provided to ensure no repeat of the hooliganism of the ‘70’s and ‘80’s that dominated stadiums throughout that era.
The FA has launched an investigation after the tie was suspended for 38 minutes because of “completely unacceptable” crowd trouble at the game between local rivals West Brom and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Trouble flared after Wolves took a 2‑0 lead in the 78th minutes, with fights breaking out in the corner of the West Stand and Birmingham Road end while missiles were thrown elsewhere. As fans spilled on to the pitch, players returned to the dressing rooms, with some players even heading across towards the incident to check on their families and remove their children from the area. 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.
“The disorder that occurred at the Black Country derby between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers is completely unacceptable,” said the FA in a statement. “Safety and security are of the utmost importance, and the behaviour of those involved is dangerous and inexcusable. We will be investigating these serious incidents and appropriate action will be taken.”
West Midlands Police explained, “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. Two people were arrested for public order offences. Another man was arrested before the game for possession of an offensive weapon.”
Once police had restored order the players returned to the field shortly after to begin a warm‑up, with the game resuming 10 minutes later. The police did appear to react quickly as tensions spilled over, with the main protagonist to the incident appearing to be away supporters who had managed to attain tickets within the home section. However, there were numerous incidents in the lead up to the game eventually being halted temporarily. West Brom issued a statement saying they would fully investigate exactly how this had happened, with appropriate punishments sanctioned to any supporters found to be involved.
In League One security for players and officials was brought to the forefront after a Port Vale fan managed to gain access to the playing surface and run a full 40 yards unopposed in order to attempt to unsuccessfully confront the referee after a penalty was awarded against the club in their home defeat by Portsmouth.
Port Vale have said they “condemn the actions of the individual who entered the field of play” after play was briefly halted late on after referee Craig Hicks had to leave the field in order to avoid the fan. Vale said in a statement “We remind all supporters that entering the field of play is a criminal offence. We will work with the relevant authorities to ensure the matter and the individual is dealt with with a zero tolerance approach.”
A statement released jointly by the English Football League (EFL) and Professional Games Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) read: “We are appalled by the incident in today's League One fixture between Port Vale and Portsmouth which saw referee Craig Hicks chased off the field of play and condemn the mindless actions of the individual involved. Match officials should never feel threatened for their safety when playing a pivotal role in the staging of games in our competitions. We will provide our full support to Craig and his team alongside Port Vale and the relevant authorities as they seek to bring this individual to justice.”
