West Brom defender Kyle Bartley rushes to rescue his children from the stands before being substituted off as violent fan clashes see Black Country Derby SUSPENDED

West Brom‘s Kyle Bartley rushed to the stands to rescue his two children as violent fan clashes at the Hawthorns saw the Black Country Derby suspended on safety fears.

The match against fierce rivals Wolves descended into chaos in the 82nd minute when an altercation broke out in the home end, with reports a Wolves fan had gained entry. 

Bartley’s two children were part of his family group sat in that area of concern and he acted quickly to get them out of there as other fans were left bloodied from the violent clashes, which caused the match to be suspended for 35 minutes. 

He was seen holding the hand of his oldest daughter Willow, while carrying his youngest child in his arms, before disappearing down the tunnel. 

The FA Cup derby clash between West Brom and Wolves descended into farce when violence broke out in the stands between supporters of both sides, with fans storming the pitch and players being forced to take their children to safety.

The West Brom defender was then substituted before the suspended match resumed play

Footage shared on social media showed unrest in the crowd as about 50 police officers and stewards tried to hold back the crowd as they wielded batons. 

‘I’ve seen it bad, but never like this,’ said one lifelong West Bromwich Albion observer as he watched a man led across the pitch, blood pouring from his face.

The match had always had the potential for violence as it was the first time these rivals had met in front of fans since 2021, but no one could have predicted the shocking scenes that were to come.

In the 78th minute of the game, as Wolves had just upped their lead to 2-0, violence broke out in the ranks as West Brom fans entered the pitch.

About 30 police and a similar number of stewards tried to calm the situation but despite four announcements for fans to leave the field, the game was not restarted.

Both sets of players had returned to the changing rooms as an announcement over the PA system warned that unless fans went back to their seats, the game could be abandoned. 

Dean Ashton, co-commentating for talkSPORT, said of the Bartley incident: ‘What a disgusting position to find yourself in as a player, to feel that you have to get your family and your young children out of the stand where there’s trouble. 

‘How is that not enough of a sign to the supporters to get back in your seats?’

An FA spokesperson said: ‘The disorder that occurred at Black Country derby between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers is completely unacceptable.

‘Safety and security are of the utmost importance, and the behaviour of those involved is dangerous and inexcusable.

‘We will be investigating these serious incidents alongside the clubs and the relevant authorities, and the appropriate action will be taken.’