Aston Villa apologise as police make 17 arrests ahead of FA investigation

There were two pitch invasions - one before the end of the game - from home supporters and Albion fans threw seats at the Villa crowd during the game.

Seats were thrown from the Albion section and Villa supporters invaded the pitch twice as Tim Sherwood's men beat the Baggies 2-0 on Saturday to reach the semi finals.

And the police have also launched their own probe into a pre-match disturbance at the Witton Arms, close to Villa Park.

"We carried out a large policing operation for the FA Cup yesterday evening (March 7) to ensure supporters could enjoy the game in a safe environment," Chief Superintendent Chris Johnson from West Midlands Police said in a statement.

"During the course of the operation 17 men were arrested for various public order offences. An investigation has been launched to identify people involved in a disturbance before the match at the Witton Arms pub.

"Anyone who saw what happened should contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

"We will also be supporting the Football Association to identify people involved in pitch invasions that happened at the end of the match."

Among the arrests were eight people detained on suspicion of public-order offences, four on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and two on suspicion of breach of the peace, police said.

The FA are also believed to have had a crowd control advisor at the game who will report back following Villa's 2-0 win, Press Association Sport understands.

A spokesperson for the FA told Press Association Sport the investigation into the incidents will begin on Monday.

"There is no progress on last night except the FA knows about it and intends to look into it thoroughly," the spokesperson said.

Villa have said sorry for the problems which they believe marred the celebrations.

"The club does not condone supporters invading the field of play under any circumstances," a statement read.

"We are very disappointed that what should have been a very memorable and proud moment for our fans was marred by the actions of those who could not control themselves.

"They have let both themselves and their club down.

"The club extends its sincere apologies to the Football Association, the West Bromwich Albion directors, manager Tony Pulis and all his staff and players."

West Brom said in a statement: "West Bromwich Albion note the public apology issued by Aston Villa FC in the wake of the disturbing scenes during and after the FA Cup quarter-final at Villa Park.

"The apology is received in the spirit with which it was intended.

"The club is also aware of reports of serious misbehaviour involving some of its own supporters.

"It issues an uncompromising reminder today that any supporter found guilty of disorder offences can expect the appropriate sanction from the club. West Bromwich Albion will continue to operate zero tolerance to any fans who bring the club's reputation into disrepute.

"The club also welcomes the FA investigation into the scenes and how they came about; West Bromwich Albion will co-operate fully. Pitch invasions cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. The safety of the club's players and staff during and at the end of the game was clearly compromised and that has to be a subject of deep concern for everyone involved."

In the second half there were a number of seats thrown from the upper tier of the North Stand, where Albion fans were sitting, down on home supporters below.

Villa fans then invaded the pitch minutes before the final whistle, forcing the game to be temporarily stopped, and then again at full time as the players tried to run off.

Fabian Delph called the invasion "scary" and West Brom keeper Ben Foster tweeted " PLEASE just get home safe everyone. Stupid scenes.."

"Very, very scary," Delph said. "My armband got nicked, someone got my left boot, but I could appreciate the relief the fans are feeling after a result like that.

"It was dangerous. Someone tried to take my boot off. People tried to kiss me and were biting me. It was scary."

Baggies boss Tony Pulis confirmed his players were fine despite the fans spilling onto the pitch.

He said: "Everyone looked as though they had their heads on, their arms on and their legs on. Nobody said anything to me.

"I'm sure Villa are disappointed that it's happened."

Villa manager Tim Sherwood added: "I ran off as soon as I could. I'd rather talk about the football."

Delph and Scott Sinclair scored to send Villa to a Wembley semi final while Claudio Yacob and Jack Grealish were sent off as both sides finished with 10 men.