New Measures Introduced for Wolves and West Brom Derby 2026

Key Points

• West Midlands Police will implement a 24-hour dispersal order throughout the city centre and beyond Wolverhampton from 08:00 BST on Sunday, 20 September 2026, prior to the clash between Wolves and West Bromwich Albion in the derby in the Black Country.
• Individuals can be ordered to leave the area by the officers should the latter feel that an individual’s presence may lead to acts of anti-social behavior, harassment, disorder or crime and any person who does not comply with the dispersal order shall be arrested.
• Mounties, drones, and collaboration with the British Transport Police, Transport for West Midlands and West Midlands Metro will be some of the extra assets deployed in addition to the expected heavy use of rail and tram services.
• Superintendent Tim Robinson responsible for the operation stated: “It’s all about football, not violence,” noting that those causing trouble face arrest, a criminal record and a football banning order.
• Both sides of Wolves and West Brom issued a joint statement on 17 September 2026 calling fans to use tickets provided only by the club, sit in designated zones, obey stewards and police and report any unsafe or discriminatory conduct.
• The clubs announced the enhanced stewarding, policing, strict ticket

Wales (Wales Times) September 19, 2026 – West Midlands Police has confirmed a 24-hour dispersal order will be in force across Wolverhampton city centre and the wider surrounding area from 08:00 BST on Sunday as part of a major policing operation for the Black Country derby at Molineux. The force said it will deploy additional resources, including drones and its mounted unit, and work closely with British Transport Police and local transport operators amid expectations that trains and trams will be heavily used by supporters travelling to the match.

Under the dispersal powers, officers can direct individuals to leave the designated area if they believe their presence could contribute to anti-social behaviour, harassment, disorder or crime. Anyone who is told to leave and subsequently returns can be arrested, police warned. Superintendent Tim Robinson, who is overseeing the operation, said: “We’ll have a dispersal order in place to help us take swift action against anybody, or any groups, who head into Wolverhampton with the intent to cause trouble.” He added: “Anyone who does could face the real risk of being arrested, a criminal record and a football banning order.”

What will police do on the day of Wolves v West Brom?

As reported by a correspondent for the Birmingham Mail, a spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “We’ll have additional powers in place as part of our policing operation for the Black Country derby tomorrow… So we’ll be using dispersal order powers in and around Wolverhampton city centre – and the wider area – to help ensure everyone can savour the day safely.” The force said its primary focus is making sure everyone heading into the city can do so safely, and that it is experienced in policing derby matches in the region.

Police anticipate the rail and tram networks will be particularly busy, and officers will be working closely with British Transport Police, Transport for West Midlands and West Midlands Metro during the day. A significant policing presence will be deployed throughout the day, including specialist resources such as the mounted unit and drones, to provide a visible presence and respond to any issues.

What have Wolves and West Brom said to fans ahead of the derby?

In a joint statement issued on 17 September 2026, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion said supporters can “expect enhanced stewarding, policing, robust ticketing controls and additional safety measures” on Sunday. The clubs asked supporters to play their part by only using tickets purchased through official channels and for which they are eligible to use, and by sitting in the correct designated home or away area.

“Anyone found attempting to access, or being in an incorrect area, will be refused entry or ejected and may face further sanction,” the clubs said. Supporters were also asked to follow the instructions of stewards and police officers, arrive in good time to allow for security searches and stadium entry procedures, and report any unsafe, discriminatory or anti-social behaviour to the nearest steward or through the club’s reporting channels.

After the final whistle, all West Bromwich Albion supporters will be required to leave via Camp Street, while home supporters will not be able to access the area to the rear of the Steve Bull Stand, the clubs added. Supporters should follow the instructions of stewards and police officers, they said.

What consequences face those who cause disorder at Molineux?

Wolves and West Brom warned that supporters involved in violence, discriminatory behaviour, pitch incursions, missile throwing, the use of pyrotechnics or other breaches of ground regulations could face arrest, prosecution, football banning orders and long-term or permanent exclusion from their club. As reported by the Sporting Tribune, the clubs said: “Anyone found attempting to access, or being in an incorrect area, will be refused entry or ejected and may face further sanction.”

West Midlands Police echoed the warning, with Superintendent Robinson saying those involved in disorder could face arrest, a criminal record and a football banning order. The force said its aim was to ensure that law-abiding supporters could enjoy the occasion without being affected by anti-social behaviour or violence.

How will transport be managed for the Black Country derby?

Police said trains and trams are expected to be busy, and that it is working with British Transport Police and transport bosses to manage the flow of supporters. West Midlands Police is expecting trains, trams and buses to be “heavily utilised”, and officers will be working with British Transport Police, Transport for West Midlands and West Midlands Metro throughout the day.

Supporters are advised to follow designated routes when leaving the stadium and to follow the instructions of stewards and police officers, the clubs said. After the final whistle, all West Bromwich Albion supporters will be required to leave via Camp Street, while home supporters will not be able to access the area to the rear of the Steve Bull Stand.

Background to the dispersal order and derby security

The dispersal order comes as the two clubs meet for the first time at Molineux, with fans present, for a long time, according to Superintendent Tim Robinson. The fixture is the first league meeting between Wolves and West Brom in five years, and is one of English football’s oldest rivalries, the clubs said in their joint statement.

West Midlands Police said the measures have been introduced following months of planning with partner organisations, with the primary aim of ensuring supporters can travel to and from the city safely. The force said it is experienced in policing derby matches in this region and will have significant resources in place, along with specialist teams such as the mounted unit and drones, to be a visible presence and respond to any issues.

Prediction: how the dispersal order could affect supporters and the local community

The introduction of a 24-hour dispersal order, combined with enhanced stewarding, policing and robust ticketing controls, is likely to result in a more controlled environment around Wolverhampton city centre on matchday, with supporters and residents experiencing a heightened police presence and stricter enforcement of public order measures. For law-abiding fans, the measures should facilitate safer travel to and from Molineux, reduce the risk of confrontation and ensure that those intent on causing trouble are quickly identified and removed from the area.

However, the powers also mean that individuals who are directed to leave and then return face arrest, which could lead to a small number of detentions and potential disruptions for those caught up in police operations. Transport networks are expected to be heavily utilised, and supporters may experience longer queues for security searches and stadium entry, particularly if they do not arrive in good time. For local businesses and residents, the visible deployment of drones, mounted units and additional officers may cause temporary congestion but should also deter anti-social behaviour and contribute to a calmer post-match dispersal.

Overall, the development is likely to reinforce a message that the day is for football, not violence, and to shape supporter behaviour through clear boundaries and swift enforcement, with the aim of preserving the occasion for the majority while limiting opportunities for disorder.