Source: PA
FA to investigate Brum disorder
The Football Association are to launch an investigation into the ugly crowd scenes at the end of Birmingham's Carling Cup semi-final triumph over Aston Villa at St Andrew's.
More than a thousand Birmingham fans invaded the pitch after their side's 2-1 triumph and confronted the Villa fans housed in the Gil Merrick Stand.
Dozens of seats were ripped out and a flare was initially thrown from the Kop stand holding Blues fans into the Villa supporters. It was then tossed backwards and forwards between the rival factions.
An FA spokesperson said: "We wholly condemn the actions of any individuals who have been involved in the scenes of disorder at St Andrew's.
"The FA abhors acts of violent behaviour and we urge the clubs and authorities to identify any individuals involved in disorder, and impose the stiffest available sanctions, including banning orders.
"The FA will fully investigate the matter in conjunction with the appropriate authorities. The whole of English football has worked hard to eradicate scenes of disorder from our game, with Home Office figures this week showing a significant drop in arrests at the many thousands of football matches held every week, the majority of which still pass trouble free."
