Three fined after flare thrown onto pitch at Kidderminster Harriers v West Ham
Three men have been fined after a flare was thrown onto the pitch during Kidderminster Harriers' heartbreaking FA Cup defeat to West Ham.
West Mercia Police said four men in their 20s and 30s were arrested on suspicion of possessing and setting off a flare during the fourth-round tie.
After club stewards alerted them to the flare-throwing incident, officers identified and removed the men from the Harriers' Aggborough stadiumand they were taken into custody.
The men were from Birmingham, Hampshire and Kidderminster, with the force now confirming that three of those were issued fixed penalty notices, while another was released without charge.
Superintendent Gareth Morgan said about the game: “The majority of fans, both home and away, have enjoyed the match and behaved respectfully towards each other before, during and after kick off.
“Unfortunately, there was a small number of home fans causing trouble, but thanks to the club’s stewards we were able to detain the four men before anyone was injured by their careless actions.
“We worked closely with the club in the build up to the game, and increased our presence around the town to ensure fans and the public were kept safe during this exciting and historic match. I would like to thank everyone involved for their co-operation.
“Sadly, it wasn’t the result we had hoped for but the match was a celebration of football, and was played in the true spirit of the FA Cup. Both the team and the community did Kidderminster proud.”
Kidderminster Harriers were seconds away from a famous win, when the Premier League side equalised in the 91st minute. An even crueller twist was to come when the Hammers scored a last-gasp winner at the very end of extra-time with almost the last kick of the game.
