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Aston Villa pitch invasion set to be investigated by Football Association

The Football Association has confirmed it will launch a "thorough" investigation into the crowd problems that marred Aston Villa's 2-0 FA Cup quarterfinal win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

West Brom supporters were seen throwing seats inside Villa Park, while there were two pitch invasions before fans ran on to the playing surface again at the final whistle.

A spokesperson for the FA has told Press Association Sport that the investigation into the incidents will begin on Monday, which West Midlands Police will support.

"There is no progress on last night except the FA knows about it and intends to look into it thoroughly," the spokesperson said.

West Midlands Police have made 17 arrests related to Saturday's FA Cup clash.

The police have also launched its own probe into a prematch disturbance at the Witton Arms pub, close to Villa Park.

"We carried out a large policing operation for the FA Cup yesterday evening [March 7] to ensure supporters could enjoy the game in a safe environment," chief superintendent Chris Johnson from West Midlands Police said in a statement.

"During the course of the operation 17 men were arrested for various public order offences. An investigation has been launched to identify people involved in a disturbance before the match at the Witton Arms pub. Anyone who saw what happened should contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

"We will also be supporting the Football Association to identify people involved in pitch invasions that happened at the end of the match."

Among the arrests were eight people detained on suspicion of public-order offences, four on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, and two on suspicion of breach of the peace, police said.

Villa have already apologised for the crowd trouble at Villa Park, which they believe marred the celebrations.

"The club does not condone supporters invading the field of play under any circumstances," a Villa statement read.

"We are very disappointed that what should have been a very memorable and proud moment for our fans was marred by the actions of those who could not control themselves. They have let both themselves and their club down.

"The club extends its sincere apologies to the Football Association, the West Bromwich Albion directors, manager Tony Pulis and all his staff and players."

West Brom boss Pulis criticised the stewarding at Villa Park and felt the players' safety was in jeopardy, but confirmed his squad were fine.

He said: "It puts the players in danger and we don't want to see that. We were seeing it in the 1970s and 1980s and we don't want to get back to that. I actually think Villa should look at the stewarding."

Fabian Delph, who described the pitch invasion as "scary," scored his first goal in a year before former West Brom loan signing Scott Sinclair added a second late on.

Claudio Yacob and Jack Grealish were also sent off after collecting two bookings as both sides finished with 10 men.