Wolves and West Brom warn supporters of sanctions ahead of Molineux Championship meeting

Wolves and West Bromwich Albion have warned supporters there will be serious consequences for violence and disorder ahead of their first league meeting in five years, a Championship match at Molineux on Sunday. The clubs issued the warning after trouble during their 2024 FA Cup clash.

The joint statement said the 2024 cup meeting resulted in 43 people being arrested, 12 charged and sentenced and five given permanent club bans. Play at The Hawthorns was halted for 38 minutes after police were assaulted, missiles were thrown and flares were set off. Wolves won that tie two years ago in what the clubs noted was the first match between them in front of fans since 2012.

Supporters were told they could "expect enhanced stewarding, policing, robust ticketing controls and additional safety measures" for Sunday’s fixture. The clubs added that outcomes following the 2024 cup match demonstrated that "disorder, violence and criminal behaviour carry significant consequences and will continue to be dealt with robustly" by them and the police.

Wolves and Albion said they had worked "closely with the Safety Advisory Group, local authorities and police to ensure appropriate arrangements" were in place for the Championship game. The statement confirmed the match kicks off at 12:00 BST.

Fans were "reminded that anyone found engaging in violence, discriminatory behaviour, entering the pitch or trackside areas, throwing missiles, using pyrotechnics or breaching ground regulations risks arrest, prosecution, football banning orders and long-term or permanent exclusion from their club". The clubs asked supporters to use only tickets bought through official channels and to sit in the correct designated home or away area.

The clubs warned that "Anyone found attempting to access, or being in an incorrect area, will be refused entry or ejected and may face further sanction," and urged supporters to arrive in good time for security searches, follow instructions from stewards and police and report any unsafe, discriminatory or anti-social behaviour. "The overwhelming majority of Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters attend this fixture to support their team passionately and responsibly, and we are confident that will once again be the case."

Sunday’s Championship match at Molineux kicks off at 12:00 BST and will be played under the enhanced stewarding, policing and ticketing measures outlined by both clubs.