March 9 – English football authorities are investigating disgraceful scenes at the end of an FA Cup quarterfinal between arch-rivals Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion that were reminiscent of the dark days of the domestic game.
A pitch invasion by hundreds of Villa supporters forced Saturday’s late-afternoon fixture, televised across the world, to be held up in injury time and home fans also ran on at the end, while seats were thrown from the away end of the ground.
West Brom expressed their “deep concern” that the safety of players and staff was “clearly compromised” whilst their manager Tony Pulis condemned the “mindless idiots” who marred the end of fixture, won 2-0 by the hosts, including his club’s own followers. “It is like people coming into someone else’s house – you have to show respect,” he said.
A West Brom statement said the club had received Aston Villa’s apology for the “disturbing scenes” during and after the match. “The club is also aware of reports of serious misbehaviour involving some of its own supporters. “It issues an uncompromising reminder today that any supporter found guilty of disorder offences can expect the appropriate sanction from the club. “
The referee was forced to halt the game in stoppage time as home fans spilled on to the pitch. The match resumed after a short delay, before another invasion after the final whistle.
English football has been relatively free of crowd trouble since the notorious era of the 1970s and 1980s when hooligan fans brought shame on the country. Nowadays, modern English grounds are pretty much trouble-free in contrast to many other European countries.
“We are very disappointed that what should have been a very memorable and proud moment for our fans was marred by the actions of those who could not control themselves,” said a Villa statement. “They have let both themselves and their club down. “The club extends its sincere apologies to the Football Association, the West Bromwich Albion directors, manager Tony Pulis and all his staff and players.”
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