Five men were arrested for a range of suspected offences during the Black Country football derby between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion this afternoon. West Midlands Police officers made the arrests in and around the Molineux Stadium and Wolverhampton city centre, where a highly visible police presence was deployed for the match.
The local derby was the first league meeting between the two former Football League founder members and fierce local rivals in more than five years. The teams kicked off at midday, with police granted special powers in the city to reduce the risk of violence.
Dispersal order and arrests
A dispersal order came into force at 8am today and will last for 24 hours, giving officers additional authority to move people on and prevent disorder. The order was part of a wider policing operation overseen by Superintendent Tim Robinson.
West Midlands Police made five arrests over the day. An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after a new mural near the Wolves stadium was vandalised. A 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence following reports of disorder in the city centre after last month's Wolves match against Stoke at Molineux.
Further arrests and custody
Three other men, aged between 16 and 63, were arrested on suspicion of other offences including sexual assault and racially aggravated public order. All five men remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Superintendent Tim Robinson, who was overseeing the policing operation, said: "With such passion and excitement associated with this historic local derby, it was great to see that supporters embraced the great occasion in the right way."
Match result and police response
He added: "We worked extensively with our partners ahead of the match, and on the day, to ensure the fans at the stadium and in the city have been able to enjoy the day safely." Wolves won the match 1-0.
