FA to investigate Hawthorns hassle

by JP Lonergan , 21 February 2011

The Football Association is to investigate after a smoke bomb was thrown from the crowd in Sunday’s Premier League Black Country derby.


On-loan Arsenal striker Carlos Vela scored a late equaliser for West Bromwich Albion after another loanee, Jamie O’Hara from Tottenham Hotspur, had put Wolverhampton Wanderers in front at the Hawthorns.

However, the 1-1 draw, the first game in the Premier League between the local foes, was marred when the smoke device was thrown from the Wolves fans’ section into that of the home supporters. They responded by hurling objects in the opposite direction, with one Wolves fan pictured with blood streaming down his head as a result.

The FA have now confirmed that they are to speak with their crowd control officer at the game.

Meanwhile, the FA are also looking into crowd trouble at Saturday’s Championship game between Millwall and Middlesbrough, visiting goalkeeper Jason Steele and an assistant referee both emerging as targets for bottles and other objects that were thrown from the crowd.

The hassle erupted after a Scott McDonald goal that appeared offside was allowed to stand for Boro. The game was twice stopped and an abandonment was even considered.

An FA spokesman said: "We are awaiting the match officials' report and we will be seeking observations from both clubs.”

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