Investigation launched after flare hits supporter at Stourbridge v Halesowen match
An investigation has been launched between two football clubs and police after a woman in her 60s was struck by a flare during a football match between Stourbridge and Halesowen Town.
A statement from Halesowen Town confirmed the injured supporter was a Halesowen fan. Two flares, one blue and one red, were thrown onto the pitch at the War Memorial Athletic Ground in Amblecote during the Number Nine Derby on Saturday which Halesowen won 2-1. A Halesowen Town spokesman said the club would be working with West Midlands Police, Stourbridge and K2 Security following the incident.
The first flare, which was blue, was thrown after Halesowen’s opening goal was scored on seven minutes by striker Daniel Udoh. A the second red flare was launched after Stourbridge scored through Ryan Rowe in the 63rd minute. It is not clear which flare struck the fan.
The spokesman said: “The lady in question was treated at the game and suffered burns to her neck, as well as her injuries she is suffering from shock and being cared for by her family. In the incident her Halesowen shirt was damaged and we, of course, are replacing that for her.
“We do not blame anyone from Stourbridge football club, unfortunately in football a few are more interested in causing the disruption of the game for the majority.
“The safety of our supporters both home and away is of paramount importance. The club are investigating the incidents. If Halesowen Town Football Club supporters are identified as being responsible then appropriate steps will be taken.” Police confirmed enquiries are ongoing but no arrests have yet been made.
The game, which attracted 2,306 supporters through the gates, fell on Non League Day.
Anybody with information about the flares is asked to contact the club via davehawley@halesowentown.com or police on 101.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101.
The woman was in the Shed End, the away section of the stadium, when she was struck.
A police spokesman said the woman was hit by a ‘smoke bomb’ and suffered bruising to her throat.
Stourbridge issued a warning over the speaker after each flare was thrown that the culprits would be removed from the stadium.
This is the latest incident of a flare being thrown at Stourbridge matches.
In December, a flare was thrown onto the pitch during Stourbridge’s FA Cup clash. The club, which received a fine from the FA, called the incident an ‘act of stupidity’.
Then in January another flare was thrown during the club’s defeat to Wycombe Wanderers in the Cup.
