Police reveal outcome of first Wolves - West Brom derby since 2024 chaos | OneFootball

The hosts' emerged victorious in Sunday's derby which passed without major disorder

West Midlands Police have revealed that only a handful of arrests were made in relation to Sunday's Black Country derby between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion at Molineux.

In what was the first meeting between the two historic rivals since an infamous FA Cup fourth round tie at The Hawthorns in January 2024, Wolves saw their overly dominant performance over the Baggies rewarded when in-form Spanish playmaker, Fer Lopez, pounced on a major error from Nat Phillips to slot the ball past Max O'Leary first-time in front of the North Bank.

The match was moved to a 12PM kick-off on Sunday afternoon due to broadcast selection, but a whole host of safety measures were in operation from the local police force to ensure the safety of the 30,892 supporters before kick-off and after the full-time whistle.

This particular fixture was also the first time the two clubs had met at Molineux with supporters present since a 5-1 victory for the away side back in February 2012.

And whilst the two rival fanbases made their feelings towards each other loud and clear during the 90-plus minutes, no major incidents were declared in spite of some pre-match needle which surfaced on Saturday.

Police reveal how many supporters were arrested in relation to Wolves, West Brom derby clash

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As previously mentioned, the last Black Country derby before this weekend is certainly remembered beyond the 2-0 win for Wolves in B71.

A total of 43 supporters were arrested as the cup tie was halted for a total of 38 minutes due to disorder, whilst a further 12 were charged and five were permanently banned by their respective clubs.

However, Sunday's Championship fixture passed without the need for referee, Josh Smith, to halt proceedings for crowd trouble and only five arrests were made in relation to the fixture.

Those who remained in custody post-match were between the ages of 16 and 63, with arrest reasons including public order offences, sexual assault and racially aggravated public order.

An 18-year-old was among those arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after a mural celebrating Wolves' 150th anniversary was vandalised with blue paint just hours after being unveiled.

West Midlands Police chief praises Wolves and West Brom fans after Black Country derby

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Wolves and West Brom were part of a joint statement with West Midlands Police pre-match which outlined the measures put in place to keep rival supporters apart before and after the match, with 2,549 of those present at Molineux following James Morrison's team.

Compared to the last derby game, this particular fixture proved to be an overwhelming success in terms of supporter safety, which saw superintendent, Tim Robinson, who oversaw the large policing operation, praising the two fanbases.

"With such passion and excitement associated with this historic local derby, it was great to see that supporters embraced the great occasion in the right way," he said.

"We worked extensively with our partners ahead of the match, and on the day, to ensure the fans at the stadium and in the city have been able to enjoy the day safely."

West Brom will hope for on-pitch revenge against Wolves at The Hawthorns

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Whilst Cesar Peixoto was full of praise for his side's performance and the backing from the home support, Morrison, unsurprisingly, was far from pleased with Albion's showing despite some fine saves from O'Leary in the first-half.

As such, the Baggies boss and former midfielder, who has strong experience of this fixture from his playing days, will be hoping for a much stronger performance when Wolves travel to The Hawthorns in late February.

There is plenty of football to be played between now and then, though, and whilst West Brom have made a bright start to the campaign, it will somewhat sting knowing that Wanderers have now leapfrogged them on goal difference ahead of the extended international break.