West Midlands Police have released CCTV images of four men they wish to speak to as part of an ongoing investigation into disorder between football supporters in Wolverhampton city centre following a Championship fixture between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Stoke City.
What happened on Lichfield Street
The trouble broke out on Lichfield Street in Wolverhampton city centre after the home side beat Stoke City at Molineux on 29 August. Videos that circulated on social media showed confrontations between groups of supporters, with fighting and items being thrown, according to West Midlands Police.
The force confirmed that five men have so far been arrested in connection with the incidents. Four of those were subsequently charged with public order offences and are due to appear at Dudley Magistrates' Court later this month. All four were released on bail under conditions that prevent them from attending football matches or entering the city centre.
The appeal for information
As the investigation continues, West Midlands Police have now published CCTV stills showing four further men they believe may be able to assist their enquiries. One of the images was described by the force as grainy, though officers have still chosen to release it in the hope that the public can assist with an identification.
Anyone who recognises the men featured in the images, or who has information about their whereabouts, has been urged by the force to make contact directly.
Broader context for both clubs
Both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Stoke City are Championship clubs this season, and fixtures between sides with large and passionate fanbases naturally attract considerable attention. The vast majority of supporters who attended the 29 August game did so without incident, and the investigation is focused on a specific group of individuals responsible for the disorder in the city centre.
Incidents of this kind carry serious consequences for those involved. Public order convictions can result in football banning orders, which courts may impose to prevent attendance at regulated matches for a specified period.
West Midlands Police have asked anyone with relevant information to come forward through the appropriate channels. The four men already charged are scheduled to have their cases heard at Dudley Magistrates' Court later this month, at which point the legal process will move forward publicly.
- Five men arrested following disorder on Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, on 29 August.
- Four charged with public order offences; all four released on bail with conditions.
- CCTV images of four further men released as the investigation continues.
- Cases involving the charged men to be heard at Dudley Magistrates' Court.
West Midlands Police have encouraged anyone with information to get in contact as the inquiry progresses.
Frequently asked
- What happened after the Wolves vs Stoke City game on 29 August?
- Disorder broke out between groups of supporters on Lichfield Street in Wolverhampton city centre after the match. Videos shared on social media showed fighting and items being thrown. West Midlands Police subsequently arrested five men.
- Have any fans been charged following the Wolverhampton disorder?
- Yes. Of the five men arrested, four were charged with public order offences and are due to appear at Dudley Magistrates' Court later this month. All four were bailed with conditions preventing them from attending football matches or entering Wolverhampton city centre.
- What are West Midlands Police asking for in the CCTV appeal?
- Police have released CCTV images of four men they wish to speak to in connection with the disorder and are asking anyone who recognises those individuals, or knows their whereabouts, to contact West Midlands Police.