West Brom fans salute players who came to applaud amid Southampton play-off pitch invasion 'carnage'
A West Brom fan who watched his side fall to defeat in their Championship promotion play-off semifinal has described the "absolute carnage" that followed as opposition fans swarmed the pitch.
Hundreds of Southampton fans entered the St Mary's Stadium pitch following the home team's 3-1 win against West Bromwich Albion on Friday night.
The Saints dominated the second leg of the play-off clash, booking their spot in the finals thanks to second-half goals from Will Smallbone and Adam Armstrong.
Following the full-time whistle, hundreds of fans took to the pitch to celebrate their side's victory, some appearing to goad away supporters.
In footage shared with the Express & Star, Albion players and staff can be seen applauding the away end while surrounded by Southampton fans. Smoke from flares, both red and blue, can also be seen.
Daryl Jones, an Albion fan who attended the match, said: "Well it wasn't the results that we were looking for, but it has been a good season for us so there isn't any hard feelings I don't think.
"That being said, it was absolute carnage at the end of it. I was just standing there and clapping and the Albion players came over and started applauding us like they usually do, then the Southampton fans just came out of nowhere."
The pitch was quickly covered by jubilant home fans in their hundreds, celebrating with their players.
Daryl continued: "Honestly I don't know what happened with the stewards and police, the fans just got straight past them, they weren't doing anything.
"I have to say though, fair play to the players for standing their ground and not running when the supporters took to the pitch, they made sure that the Albion side stayed seated and thanked the ones that weren't being unruly. It was a class act."
Following the match, Southampton manager Russell Martin expressed hope that the chaotic scenes would not tarnish a "beautiful moment" after leading his side to Wembley.
Fans were warned over the PA system and electronic boards that anyone entering the playing surface risked a ban and police action.
Martin said: "I haven't seen it but I think it's unnecessary and I'm pretty sure it will be a real, real minority. Our fans were amazing tonight.
"For those who did do that, if it tarnishes the night we've had and the win we've had and getting to Wembley in any way then they've let themselves down.
"But hopefully it was really very few people and hopefully the majority had a brilliant night, and they were great.
"Tonight was a beautiful moment for us. But we have the chance to have the biggest and best, an even better moment next week so we have to make sure that's the case."