Teenager arrested after Wolves 150th anniversary mural vandalised

A teenager has been arrested after a mural celebrating 150 years of Wolverhampton Wanderers was vandalised.

Wolverhampton Police confirmed on Sunday morning that an 18-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of criminal damage. He remains in custody for questioning.

It comes after a mural outside Molineux was vandalised within hours of its unveiling, with blue paint splashed across legends featured in the artwork, including Raul Jimenez.

The mural was unveiled on Saturday morning, on the eve of the Black Country derby between Wolves and West Brom.

Wolverhampton Police said: “We’ve arrested a man after a new mural near the Wolves stadium was vandalised.

“We were alerted to the artwork, at the entrance of Molineux Subway, being damaged yesterday evening (19 September).

“Following quick-time enquiries we've detained an 18-year-old in connection with the incident.

“He has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and is currently in custody for questioning.

“We will never tolerate vandalism and will always seek to identify those involved.”

By Sunday morning, ahead of the derby, the blue paint had been scratched from the mural, leaving blank spaces in the artwork.

The mural was commissioned by UK bookmaker Midnite, Wolves’ principal partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2026/27 season, to mark the club’s 150th anniversary.

It was created by artist Joe Miles, who was also behind the mural of former Wolves forward Diogo Jota at the Leaping Wolf pub in Wolverhampton.

Miles, a Wolves fan, has praised West Brom supporters online for condemning the vandalism.

He said: “It's a massive shame that this has happened, I spent a lot of time planning and painting the artwork for everyone to enjoys, but unfortunately some people have taken things a bit too far, I've seen plenty of West Brom fans online condemning the actions which is good to see.

“I'll be able to fix the painting that's not a problem at all, no point crying over spilt paint but hopefully this will spur on the players and fans and make for an even better derby day.”