Wolves fans fined for 'worst case of violence' during Birmingham City derby

Adam Wilcox, of Davis Road, New Invention, was also given a two year football banning order after lobbing a bottle at a Birmingham City player celebrating a goal.

Stephen Cooper, of Hylstone Crescent, Wednesfield, hurled a coin at Birmingham City fans being escorted out of Molineux by security.

Wilcox, aged 20, was fined £200 at Walsall Magistrates Court. He must also pay £135 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Cooper, 27, was fined £230 and told to pay £135 costs and a £20 victim surcharge. He will find out on June 2 if he will also be given a banning order. Each pleaded guilty to one charge of throwing a missile onto a football playing area.

Officers

Around 150 officers were deployed across Wolverhampton city centre for the derby match on February 24, which was won 3-1 by Birmingham City.

Prosecutor, Mrs Maggie Meakin, said of Cooper: “There were approximately 25,000 supporters in Molineux and stewards said this was the worst case of violence they saw inside the stadium on the day.

“He was seen by stewards and apologised immediately, so they allowed him to stay in the stadium but the throw was reported to police.

“He admitted in interview that he had a few drinks and got caught up in the moment, with the opposition fans antagonising the home crowd.”

Defending, Miss Harminder Hayre, said: “Birmingham fans were being rowdy towards Wolves fans and he let the moment get the better of him.

“He wishes to apologise to the magistrates, the club and the fans. This is not something he would normally do.”

In relation to Wilcox, Mrs Meakin said: “He was identified from CCTV throwing a bottle towards the pitch from the Jack Hayward stand.

“He told police in interview that it was a moment of madness and his anger got the better of him.”

Defending Wilcox, Miss Hayre said: “It would appear that it was a very emotional match that day.

“Even his friend who he was with asked him what he had done immediately and he found himself unable to answer.

“He has been a season ticket holder since the age of 17 but realises he will be banned for this.”

The match was followed by clashes near the city’s train station that had to be broken up by police.