The Black Country derby encountered a temporary suspension due to crowd disturbances at the Hawthorns during the FA Cup fourth-round clash between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Wolves, representing the Premier League, took the lead with Pedro Neto’s goal in the first half and later extended their advantage with Matheus Cunha’s strike in the 78th minute.

Amidst celebrations from Wolves fans in the away end, the situation escalated as missiles were thrown from and into the visitors’ section. 

Disturbances spread across various sections of the home end after Wolves supporters were found in multiple areas, resulting in altercations among fans and clashes with the police.

Reacting swiftly, West Bromwich Albion players rushed to the family section of one stand, with defender Kyle Bartley even leaping into the stands where his family sat, ensuring their safety by bringing his young children onto the pitch.

The match was halted in the 83rd minute, with both teams exiting the field as a precautionary measure. 

This marked the first match between the two rivals, with spectators in attendance for over a decade.

Speaking on ITV shortly after the suspension, reporter Katie Shanahan conveyed, “I’ve just been speaking to a number of the team around here and the referees are waiting for the go-ahead. A number of the players’ children are in that area. The referee can’t go ahead until they have had confirmation from the safety team.”

After a delay of 25 minutes, players from both sides eventually emerged from the tunnel and resumed play on the field.