West Brom voices concern over Villa pitch invasions
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West Bromwich Albion says it is deeply concerned about the pitch invasions during and after its FA Cup quarterfinal loss to Aston Villa that “clearly compromised” the safety of the team’s players.
Dozens of Villa fans spilled onto the pitch in premature celebration during stoppage time of their team’s 2-0 win on Saturday, before thousands poured onto the playing surface after the final whistle, mobbing Villa players.
West Brom’s players had to weave through supporters to get back to the dressing room. Villa has apologized for the incidents. “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,” Villa said.
West Brom released a statement saying “pitch invasions cannot be tolerated under any circumstances”.
The Football Association is investigating the fan misbehavior, which also included West Brom fans throwing seats into the section of the crowd below them containing Villa supporters.
Police said yesterday that 17 arrests were made in relation to the match.
On Saturday, five days after defeating West Brom to end a 12-match winless run in the Premier League, Villa beat its Midlands rival again in the cup thanks to second-half goals by Fabian Delph and Scott Sinclair. Each side had a player sent off in the closing minutes as some Villa supporters jumped over the hoardings and ran onto the pitch during stoppage time in premature celebration.
“It’s disgraceful,” West Brom manager Tony Pulis said. “We don’t want to see those scenes. They’ve beaten us, and for that to happen, that’s just mindless idiots.”
Delph said his captain’s armband and left boot were removed, and that some fans “tried to kiss me and were biting me. It was scary”.
In another quarterfinal, third-tier Bradford’s chances of playing at Wembley Stadium in the last four remained alive after drawing 0-0 at home to second-tier Reading. Liverpool was hosting Blackburn Rovers yesterday, and Manchester United was at home to Arsenal today in the other quarterfinals.
Tottenham Hotspur beat Queens Park Rangers 2-1 in the Premier League’s only game, with young striker Harry Kane enhancing his reputation with both goals for the visitors at Loftus Road. Kane took his tally in the league to 16 goals and in all competitions to 26 goals. The win moved Spurs up to sixth and within three points of fourth-place United.
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