Big media interest in Federation views after local football violence

30 January 2024

West Midlands Police Federation deputy chair Jase Dooley has spoken to the media about the violence faced by members at the football match between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Jase, who is also the branch’s assaults lead, was interviewed by BBC Television about the trouble at the Hawthorns during the FA Cup fourth round game.

Play was suspended while officers in riot gear brought the crowd trouble under control for the game to finish.

Speaking to BBC Midlands Today, Jase said: “You’ve got people who were intent on hurting people.

“They wanted to come onto the pitch. They wanted to cause problems.

West Midlands Police Federation deputy chair Jase Dooley.

“They wanted to get past the police to attack Wolverhampton fans, or anybody else who was supporting the opposite team.”

Jase was on duty on the evening of the games as his officers dealt with some of the six people who have been arrested, and he said that alcohol was a likely factor in the trouble.

“I believe drink was involved,” he said. “I was dealing with the prisoners and you could see that drink was a contributory factor.”

Jase’s comments also featured in local media reports on the police operation following the trouble, including BBC Online, the Birmingham Mail and Express and Star websites.

And commenting on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, he added: “As always, well done to our brave officers who showed themselves true leaders on the day.”