Updated at 14.39
FABIAN DELPH ADMITS he was scared for his safety as Aston Villa fans invaded the pitch after their 2-0 FA Cup sixth round win over West Brom on Saturday evening.
Supporters made it to the fringes of the pitch to celebrate Scott Sinclair’s 85th-minute goal, and then ran onto the playing surface itself in added time, forcing referee Anthony Taylor to delay proceedings.
The field of play was cleared temporarily, but fans then went back on in their hundreds when Taylor brought the match to a close.
And Delph, who opened the scoring for his side, says over-eager supporters bit him after Villa’s passage to the semi-final was secured.
“My armband got nicked, someone got my left boot, but I could appreciate the relief the fans are feeling after a result like that,” he told reporters.
“It was dangerous. Someone tried to take my boot off. People tried to kiss me and were biting me. It was scary.”
Villa have struggled in the Premier League this season but were handed a boost on Saturday as relegation rivals QPR lost 2-1 to Tottenham at Loftus Road.
West Brom have since accepted Villa’s apology for the chaotic scenes at their ground and acknowledged their supporters were also partially culpable.
“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.”
