FA launches investigation into disorder at Bilston Town's FA Vase tie with Droylsden
The Football Association has launched investigations into altercations at a non-league football match in the West Midlands.
Footage of incidents during Bilston Town's FA Vase tie with Droylsden has circulated widely on social media. Videos appear to show several individuals involved in a confrontation near the touchline.
Another clip, which has also been shared online, appears to show a man - believed to be a member of Droylsden’s coaching staff - punching another man to the ground before running off the pitch.
West Midlands Police were called to Queen Street following reports of people being attacked. As of yesterday, no arrests had been made.
The FA has today confirmed it is investigating the incidents. West Midlands Police has also launched an inquiry, while Bilston Town said it is aware of the footage and is conducting its own investigation.
A spokesperson for the Staffordshire FA said: "We are aware of an incident at an affiliated match and the matter is being investigated in line with FA Regulations.
"To ensure the process is followed correctly, we are unable to comment further at this stage."
Bilston Town had been hoping to equal their best-ever run in the prestigious competition and secure a place in the quarter-finals, but crashed out of the FA Vase after a 2-0 defeat.
In a statement, the club said: "We understand that there is a video or videos shared by people from the game today. We would like to state that this is not a fair reflection of the game or day as a whole.
"As a club we are in the process of investigating all footage from the game. We would like to thank the supporters of Droylsden for their cooperation."
West Midlands Police has appealed for information as enquiries continue.
A spokesperson said on Sunday: "We’re investigating after a violent disorder at Bilston Town Football Club on Queen Street yesterday.
"We were called to reports of people being attacked at around 5pm.
"No arrests have yet been made.
"We are working to establish the full facts and will be contacting the victims to get full statements, and will be reviewing mobile phone and CCTV footage.
"Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch with us on 101, quoting 20/139817/26."
