Stay off pitch, Wolves fans told

Monday 27th April 2009, 4:42PM BST.

Wolves today threatened to pull plans for the Championship trophy presentation after Sunday’s final game IF there are any more pitch invasions – as the FA said it was looking into recent incidents.

The club have reacted forcefully to Saturday’s scenes at Oakwell which twice saw Wolves fans from the 6,000 travelling contingent invade the pitch.

The first followed Kyel Reid’s equaliser and a second invasion was triggered by the final whistle of a 1-1 draw which confirmed Mick McCarthy’s already-promoted team as champions.

The security scare was watched with concern from the directors’ box by all the Molineux hierarchy, and the game’s ruling body today said it will be looking into Saturday’s events.

An FA spokesman said today: “We are looking into the pitch invasion involving Wolves at the weekend.”

The spokesman said they had not yet received the referee’s report and will be continuing inquiries by speaking to both clubs.

But with the team set to be presented after Sunday’s finale against Doncaster with the very same trophy last clutched by Billy Wright 50 years ago, chief executive Jez Moxey today made it clear this historic moment will be abandoned if there is any kind of invasion by supporters.

“The club’s position on this is quite clear and no-one should be under any illusion about it,” said Moxey today.

“If there is any kind of pitch incursion there will be no public presentation of the trophy.”

That policy was drawn up after Moxey spent yesterday consulting the key figures in Saturday’s events in which he would have collected some disturbing data.

Manager Mick McCarthy was furious with one fan who jumped on his back. “I wasn’t sure whether it was someone who wanted to celebrate with me or give me a good hiding,” said McCarthy.

“It was an unfortunate situation. Let’s hope we are allowed to celebrate next Sunday.

“It doesn’t completely tarnish what has been a wonderful achievement from the players but they don’t want to be mobbed. ”

Barnsley’s Bobby Hassell revealed that another Wolves fan had slapped him in the face during the invasion, while goalscorer Kyel Reid had his shirt ripped off and then watched two fans fight over the prize.

By TIM NASH



Free e-Supplements

TWITTER

Shropshire Star on Twitter Shropshire Star on Twitter

Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.

Lifestyle

Interactive Dining Out map Interactive Dining Out map

Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.

Entertainment

All the film reviews All the film reviews

Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.

OUR NEW APP

Get the new Shropshire Star app Get the new Shropshire Star app

Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.