Wolves and West Brom warn fans of lifetime bans before Black Country derby | OneFootball

Wolves and West Brom have warned supporters that disorder could bring lifetime bans at Sunday’s Black Country derby at Molineux. The clubs said in a joint statement that breaches will be dealt with robustly with police. Offences including violence, discrimination, pitch or trackside incursions, missile throwing, pyrotechnics and other breaches risk arrest, prosecution, banning orders and long-term or permanent exclusion.

It is the first Molineux league derby with fans since February 2012, and the first meeting since January 2024 at The Hawthorns, when violence forced a 40-minute delay as some players led relatives from the stands.

There were 43 arrests from that 2-0 Wolves win, with 12 charges. One fan received a football banning order and five permanent lifetime bans.

For the noon kick-off, Wolves and Albion have worked with the safety advisory group, local authorities and police on an enhanced operation. Measures include extra stewarding and policing, tighter ticket controls and strict safety procedures.

Fans are urged to use official ticket channels only, with refusal, ejection and further sanction threatened for anyone in the wrong area. Supporters are asked to follow stewards’ and police instructions, arrive early for extra searches, and report unsafe or discriminatory behaviour.

Albion’s sold-out allocation will exit via Camp Street, while home supporters cannot access the rear of the Steve Bull Stand. There is confidence that the vast majority will act responsibly, with a call to remember the game for its football and atmosphere.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”