Latics crowd trouble probe

MARK MOISLEY: Aware of FA investigation

AN investigation is under way after serious crowd trouble marred Latics' FA Youth Cup victory at Romulus FC.

After the full-time whistle blew in a tie Athletic won 2-0, fighting broke out in the stands, amid allegations that racist abuse had been directed towards the Romulus players from a section of the travelling support.

Witnesses said some of the home team's supporters confronted the alleged perpetrators after the game and that punches were were thrown in what quickly became a chaotic scene.

One Latics fan, who entered the field of play after the game, appeared to be punched to the floor as the shocking violence continued.

Athletic's players were quickly ushered off the field at a game that was played at the 2,000-capacity home of Sutton Coldfield Town FC and were not involved in the trouble.

What action will be taken against those involved may come down to the details which appear in referee Sam Mulhall's report, lodged with the Football Association.

When contacted by the Chronicle, an FA spokesman said: "We are aware and are looking into the matter."

Romulus are a semi-professional outfit whose first team competes in the Evo-Stik League Division One South.

Their youth team had beaten Notts County 3-1 at Meadow Lane to make it through to round two of the competition. Athletic's progress into the third round means they will now meet Birmingham City at home.

Athletic's interim chief executive Mark Moisley said: "We are aware of the reports of incidents taking place at the end of the game and are investigating along with the FA."