Police will contact Brunt after coin-throwing incident
The police have confirmed they will be speaking to West Brom midfielder Chris Brunt as they continue to investigate the crowd disturbances which marred Saturday's FA Cup tie between Reading and the Baggies.
West Brom were defeated 3-1 in the fifth round tie at the Madejski and Northern Ireland international Brunt was hit by a coin when he went to applaud the away supporters at the end of the match.
The player suffered a cut under his left eye and both the Football Association and Thames Valley Police are investigating the matter.
It has now been announced that Brunt will be interviewed as part of the inquiry and the police are also appealing for the public to come forward with any information.
Sergeant Richard Noone of Thames Valley Police's Tactical and Football Operations said: "We are investigating a number of incidents during the FA Cup match between Reading and West Bromwich Albion at the Madejski Stadium.
"There were a number of incidents of disorder during the second half, including objects being thrown between those sitting in the home section and those sitting in the away section. A bottle was also thrown in the direction of a Reading player.
"Also, during the second half, a 37-year-old man from Sandwell, West Midlands, was arrested for a racially aggravated public order offense.
"The arrest was in connection with an incident during which a steward was verbally abused. The man who was arrested has been released on police bail until 1 April.
"Further, after the game, a West Bromwich Albion player was struck by an object thrown from the crowd.
"The player was treated for a cut to his face by medical staff at the stadium. We will be speaking to the player in due course to discuss the matter.
"We would ask anyone with any information about these incidents to contact Thames Valley Police immediately.
"I would particularly appeal to anyone who has videos of these incidents to contact police, as such footage might aid our investigations."
West Brom released a statement on Saturday night which read in part: "All our true supporters will join the Club in condemning the sickening behavior of a few individuals at the end of our FA Cup fifth-round tie at Reading.
"They will be horrified at the sight of one of our longest-serving players, Chris Brunt, being struck beneath an eye by a coin as he attempted to show the team's appreciation to the traveling fans for their backing during an ultimately disappointing afternoon.
"We are working with all the relevant authorities to identify as quickly as possible the offender, who can expect the severest of sanctions for his actions."
It is understood that the fan who threw the coin has been identified by stewards in a picture that has been passed to police and he will be handed a lifetime ban by West Brom if found guilty.
