FA to investigate Hawthorns melee

The Football Association will investigate a mass post-match melee involving Reading players and Albion stewards at the Hawthorns.

But the Baggies have defended their stewards and insisted their stewards acted "properly" in the incident after the final whistle.

The FA have asked Albion for video footage of the aftermath of last night's FA Cup fifth round replay, which saw Royals players and Baggies stewards involved in a confrontation.

Reading manager Brian McDermott accused stewards of over-reacting in an incident that was triggered, when Reading's Jobi McAnuff was sent off after the final whistle for violent conduct in a clash with Albion's Youssouf Mulumbu.

FA spokesman Scott Field said: "I can confirm that the FA will be reviewing reports of incidents that occurred during the West Bromwich Albion versus Reading cup tie at the Hawthorns last night."

The FA will study video evidence from ITV and read referee Lee Mason's report before deciding whether to act.

An Albion statement this afternoon said: "West Bromwich Albion are confident our stewards acted properly in a difficult situation after the final whistle. The FA have requested a copy of the ITV video of the game."

McAnuff was sent off after the fifth-round replay for allegedly grabbing midfielder Mulumbu, who had kicked the ball in frustration at the final whistle and hit McAnuff.

Witnesses claimed McAnuff grabbed Mulumbu by the throat and the Albion player was then held back by a steward and later ushered away quickly by staff, but his team-mates did not appear to be involved.

Stewards attempted to keep the pair apart and McAnuff reacted angrily, prompting Reading team-mates and other stewards to become involved in a shoving match.

The melee continued as stewards and players jostled when stewards attempted to stop Reading walking to the Smethwick End to celebrate with their fans.

McDermott said: "We were trying to celebrate with our supporters, and the stewards were making it worse. I have had an apology from one of the stewards, which I appreciate, but I didn't understand what happened.

"It didn't need to happen. If stewards are coming towards you you have a problem. It was just a mess with a lot of stewards coming on the pitch. I don't know if it was necessary.

"There was so much going on and the stewards definitely over-reacted but it didn't taint the night.

Referee Lee Mason, of Lancashire, confirmed McAnuff was dismissed after the final whistle for violent conduct but declined to comment further on the post-match incidents.