Wild non-league violence sees ‘players, fans and coaches brawl’ at Bilston Town

There were wild scenes of violence at a non-league game on Saturday as players, a manager and fans were involved in a brawl which is being investigated by police.

Droylsden FC beat Bilston Town FC 2-0 in their FA Vase clash, but the afternoon descended into chaos after the final whistle.

Footage shared on social media captured some of the chaos, although it was unclear what sparked the violence.

One video showed a player brawling with a number of fans off the pitch, with the Bilston Town player throwing punches and being dragged to the ground.

Another clip appears to show a Droylsden coach pursued on the pitch by a player and fans.

He appeared to throw a punch and then run away from the confrontation before turning and punching a man in a hoodie, knocking him to the floor.

Police were called to Bilston’s Queen Street ground at around 5pm on Saturday after reports of the violence.

West Midlands Police told the BBC on Sunday that no arrests had been made, adding in a statement: ‘We are working to establish the full facts and will be contacting the victims to get full statements, and will be reviewing mobile phone and CCTV footage.

‘Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch with us.’

Bilston Town posted on social media: ‘We understand that there is a video or videos shared by people from the game today. We would like to state that this is not a fair reflection of the game or day as a whole.

‘As a club we are in the process of investigating all footage from today’s game. We would like to thank the supporters of @Droylsden_FC for their cooperation.’

They later added: ‘The Club is aware of an incident that occurred following the conclusion of yesterday’s FA Vase fixture against Droylsden FC. We are extremely concerned by the events that took place.

‘The safety and wellbeing of players, staff, officials, and spectators is of paramount importance to the Club.

‘The matter has been reported to the police, and we are fully cooperating with their investigation. We have also notified the relevant authorities and an internal review is underway.

‘Pending the outcome of these investigations, the Club will be taking immediate interim steps in line with our procedures. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

‘The Club will not be making any further comment at this time.’

Droylsden made no mention of the carnage in their social media reaction to the game, posting on Facebook: ‘Bilston Town 0 Droylsden 2.
Two goals from Nelson Van propel us into the last eight in this national and prestigious competition , the quarter final of the Isuzu FA Vase, this and a two legged semi final are the next obstacles to overcome if we are to fulfill our dream of a Wembley appearance in May.

‘A brilliant performance once again by the Bloods against a resolute, direct and determined Bilston, on a very very wet surface, awesome by everyone involved and that includes our tremendous travelling support, take a breath and say it again, we are in the last eight, C’ mon you Bloods, enjoy the journey back from the West Midlands.’

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