Southampton and West Brom Fans Appeared to Throw Missiles at Each Other as the Saints Celebration from grinch hand holding mask Watch Video

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✓ Published: 18-May-2024

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Southampton and West Brom fans appeared to throw missiles at each other as the Saints celebrated booking their places in the Championship play-off final.<br/><br/>Russell Martin's side dominated the second leg clash at St Mary's on Friday evening, winning 3-1 on the night and aggregate thanks to a Will Smallbone strike and brace from Adam Armstrong.<br/><br/>They will take on Leeds at Wembley next weekend as both sides aim for an immediate return to the Premier League following relegation last season.<br/><br/>After the full-time whistle, hundreds of home fans invaded the pitch to celebrate their side reaching the final and appeared to goad away supporters before scenes turned ugly.<br/><br/>Footage from social media seemed to show a missile being thrown into a crowd on the pitch from what looked to be the away end, with a supporter throwing another into the stands.<br/><br/>It is unclear whether it was the same missile thrown in response.<br/><br/>Other footage showed stewards and police holding back Southampton fans from getting to the away end, with chants of 'Albion' heart in videos shared online.<br/><br/>In photos, fans from the away end could be seen trying to get onto the pitch.<br/><br/>It was a delayed pitch invasion, with Southampton's squad initially congratulating each other after managers Russell Martin and Carlos Corberan shook hands.<br/><br/>Smallbone was all smiles as he went from the substitutes' bench to the pitch before the first set of fans entered the field.<br/><br/>More began to make their way onto the field of play, with supporters holding flags in the air and a flare also seen on the pitch.<br/><br/>The home supporters appeared to goad the away end full of fans who will again have to watch their team in Championship action next season. <br/><br/>Both Southampton and West Brom have been contacted for comment.<br/><br/>In the game, West Brom started well, deploying a low block to resist the possession-based play from the hosts.<br/><br/>Initially, the plan was working, with the score 0-0 at half time mirroring the score line from last week's first leg at the Hawthorns.<br/><br/>Smallbone opened the scoring in the 49th minute, however, meaning the visitors had to score if they were to at least take the game to extra time.<br/><br/>Armstrong scored his brace to take the game away from West Brom, with Cedric Kirpe's goal deep into stoppage time in vain.