Wolves and West Brom issue joint warning ahead of Black Country derby

Wolves and West Brom have told supporters to behave or face serious consequences ahead of Sunday's Black Country derby at Molineux.

The Championship rivals, the second tier of English football, issued a rare joint statement on 17 September warning fans before the 12:00 BST kick-off. It is their first league meeting in five years.

The message was blunt. Anyone involved in violence and disorder risks arrest, prosecution and exclusion from stadiums.

The warning follows ugly scenes the last time the neighbours met. Play was halted for 38 minutes during West Brom's home FA Cup tie in 2024 after police were assaulted, missiles were thrown and flares were set off. That day brought 43 arrests, with 12 people later charged and sentenced and five handed permanent club bans, according to BBC.

Wolves won that cup tie. It was the first game between the clubs played in front of fans since 2012.

For Sunday, both clubs say supporters will see enhanced stewarding and policing, tight ticket checks and extra safety measures around Molineux. They said the plans were drawn up with the Safety Advisory Group, local authorities and police.

The clubs stressed that the overwhelming majority attend to support their team passionately and responsibly. They said they want the Black Country derby, the name given to this West Midlands rivalry, to be remembered for football, atmosphere and passion in the stands, according to the statement published by Wolves.

For fans, this means practical rules. Tickets must come through official channels only. Supporters must sit in the correct home or away area.

The banned list is long. It covers violence, discriminatory behaviour, entering the pitch or trackside areas, throwing missiles, using pyrotechnics such as flares and smoke bombs, and breaking ground regulations. Punishment can include football banning orders, court orders that can stop someone attending matches, alongside long-term or permanent exclusion.

What makes this stand out is the unity. Rivals rarely speak with one voice, but here the point is shared. Ninety minutes that can lift a city should not be defined by fear.