Express & Star

West Brom hand out three-year bans to fans who threw smoke bombs

Albion have warned supporters not to use smoke bombs at games after handing out a three-year ban to fans who threw one onto the pitch at Stoke City last weekend.

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The match at the Bet365 Stadium had to be stopped in the first half to allow a smoke bomb to be cleared off the pitch after Dwight Gayle’s 25th-minute goal.

It was clearly launched from among the away end, and was one of a number of pyrotechnics set off in and around the stadium along with two others confiscated pre-match.

There will be 2,167 Baggies heading to Villa Park tomorrow, and the club have warned against any repeat.

Operations director Mark Miles said: “Pyrotechnics are dangerous and will not be tolerated.

“The behaviour of our supporters is the club’s responsibility and a repeat of this type of behaviour is likely to cause serious difficulties for West Bromwich Albion.

“We have identified the offenders who will be banned for three years and subject to criminal investigation.”

The Baggies are also issuing three-year bans to supporters who have attempted to sneak into The Hawthorns with incorrect concessionary tickets.

The club say they have ‘conducted a purge on false ticket entrants’ in the past two games which has seen more than 30 fans stopped from entering the stadium.

The accounts of the offenders have been suspended and three-year bans will be issued.

Miles said Albion would clamp down on those attempting to ‘cheat the system’.

“This amounts to fraudulent behaviour against the club and most of all is an insult to thousands of true Baggies fans,” he said.

“Of course we recognise these are difficult times which is why we are doing everything we can to ensure we offer the best possible prices to watch football at The Hawthorns.

“It is deeply regrettable that a small minority still insist on trying to cheat the system.”