Southampton and West Brom fans appeared to hurl missiles at each other as the Saints fans celebrated their qualification for the Championship play-off final.
After the final whistle of the Southampton and West Brom clash, a huge number of fans invaded the pitch to celebrate in front of the away fans, who were not having it.
Another clip showed the police and the stewards holding back Southampton fans from getting to the stands of the away fans. In the clip, a loud chant of “Albion” was heard from the away stand.
The Southampton side dominated the second leg of the match at St. Mary Stadium, winning 3-1 on aggregate after the first leg ended in a 0-0 draw.
Southampton progressed to the final through a Will Smallbone’s strike and Adam Armstrong’s brace. Smallbone rose to the occasion with a beautiful shot in the 49th minute of the game.
Armstrong scored 12 minutes after Smallbone’s goal. Also, Armstrong scored a late penalty against West Brom to complete the job.
In quest for Premier League promotion, the Saints will play the final of the Championship play-off against Leeds United on May 26, 2024.
How Southampton manager Russell Martin Reacted to the Pitch Invasion by the Club Fans
The manager revealed that the invasion done by the club fans tarnished their beautiful moment after the club defeated West Brom on 3-1 aggregate.
In the post-match conference, he revealed what he felt about some Southampton fans, saying, “I haven’t seen it, but I think it’s unnecessary, and I’m pretty sure it will be a real, real minority.”
“Our fans were amazing tonight. For those who did do that, if it tarnishes the night we’ve had, the win we’ve had, and getting to Wembley in any way, then they’ve let themselves down.”
“But hopefully there were really very few people, and hopefully the majority had a brilliant night, and they were great.”
Who Will Win the 2023–24 Championship Play-Off?
Starting head-to-head this season, Southampton have beaten Leeds United twice in the Championship, both home and away. Southampton are currently the favorites going into the game on May 26, 2024.
However, the Leeds United side can’t be written off due to their excellent on-field abilities. The Leeds United manager, Daniel Farke, sees the match as a do-or-die affair. It is an opportunity that may come once in a lifetime to play in the Premier League.
Southampton are likely to win the match and be confirmed as the third Championship side to get promotion to the Premier League for the 2024–25 season.
What do you think about the clash? Air your views in the comments section.
