Members praised for bravery after football violence during local derby

29 January 2024

West Midlands Police Federation deputy chair Jase Dooley has praised the bravery of members after violent clashes broke out in the stands during the FA Cup derby between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Jase said the officers prevented a mass disorder inside West Brom’s ground the Hawthorns when fighting started moments after Wolves took a 2-0 lead.

Play was suspended while officers brought the crowd trouble under control.

Jase said: “Without the police officers and club stewards there, it would have been absolute carnage in the ground.

“The officers have prevented a massive disorder. It would have escalated very quickly.

“It was amazing work by our colleagues. From top to bottom, it was well planned and all concerned should be very proud.

The trouble took place inside West Brom's ground, the Hawthorns.

“Brave work from the frontline yet again.”

Jase said that an officer who was seen on the television coverage of the game to be pushed down the stairs was ‘fine’.

“The officer has bruising to his legs and back, but he’ll be okay,” said Jase, who is the branches assaults lead. “I wish him a full recovery very quickly.

“We’ll be contacting the officers who have been assaulted to see if they have any issues or lasting injuries and if there are any, what we can do as a Federation to help them.”

Jase said a police investigation had swung into action to identify the people behind the violence.

“There’s now officers reviewing the CCTV, and if anyone is seen to have pushed our officer then we’ll be identifying them and making arrests,” he said.

“Our members should not have to face violence or the threat of violence, in any setting, just for going about their jobs. It’s totally unacceptable.

“We’re looking for positive action from the investigation to make sure that the officers who have been assaulted are dealt with as victims, because that’s what they are.

“We’ll also be looking for people who caused problems on the day and who have not yet been arrested.

“If anyone has information about who caused problems then contact the police.”

A total of six people - four West Brom supporters and two Wolves fans have been arrested in connection with the trouble.

All have since been bailed while the investigation continues.

Those arrested were:

A 16-year-old held on suspicion of an offensive weapon after he was stopped by officers using Section 60 stop and search powers in a pub before the game.
A 29-year-old man arrested for affray after violence in one of the stands.
A 24-year-old man arrested for violent disorder after pushing towards officers.
A 33-year-old man arrested for violent disorder and assaulting police officers after pushing one officer to the floor and kicking out at another.
A 34-year-old man arrested on suspicion of a public order offence after picking up a corner flag and brandishing it as a weapon.
A 58-year-old man arrested for assaulting a police officer after throwing punches at officers.

Chief Inspector Tim Robinson, from West Midlands Police’s football department, said: “A number of officers have been injured, and we have already started the process of reviewing evidence including body worn video and CCTV to ensure that we identify and arrest all of those involved over the coming days and weeks.”