Aston Villa fans sent back to Birmingham before Wolves game
Dozens of football fans were sent packing from Wolverhampton following police fears of trouble before tonight's Midlands derby between Wolves and Aston Villa.
Officers surrounded the Angel Inn on Bilston Road, Bilston, where around 55 Villa supporters had gathered for pre-match drinks.
A total of 35 fans were issued with dispersal orders and escorted to the nearby Priestfield metro station where they were put on a tram back to Birmingham despite having tickets for the game.
Midland Metro said it had handed Tram 24 over to West Midlands Police and that it was out of service for a period for this afternoon.
Inspector James Merchant confirmed there had been no fighting but police were concerned that the size of the group could have lead to an outbreak of disorder.
About 30 police officers, some with dogs, took part in the operation between 3pm and 5pm.
