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FA Cup: Fifth Round weekend marred by two incidents of coin throwing from West Brom and Chelsea fans
On Saturday afternoon West Brom squandered a 1-0 lead to lose 3-1 to Championship side Reading in their fifth round tie.
With relegation probably not a concern, a chance to play lower league opposition to progress to the last eight of the FA Cup would have been one that excited most Baggies fans.
That they would have been disappointed with their team's performance is understandable, but the idea of throwing a coin at one of your own players is not something the vast majority of fans would even consider.
As Chris Brunt made his way over to fans who had made the journey to Reading, he went to give his match shirt to a young fan when a coin struck him just under his left eye.
He was clearly incensed by the action, picking the coin up and showing it to other fans, and saying after the incident that he was 'disgusted'.
Both clubs, the FA, and the Police are investigating the incident, with a lifetime ban from West Brom and potential criminal charges awaiting the culprit.
Whilst coins being thrown at players is sadly not unheard of, it is at least infrequent in the English game, which makes a second incident on Sunday all the more troubling.
During the first half of Chelsea and Manchester City's clash early on Sunday evening, another coin was thrown at players by a member of the crowd.
Chelsea took a lead in the first half at Stamford Bridge courtesy of Diego Costa, but were pegged back immediately by a youthful Manchester City.
As City players celebrated several coins were thrown by Chelsea fans in their direction, which were retrieved by the referee.
Chelsea went on to cruise to a 5-1 win, and the actions of the fans who threw the coins were quickly condemned by the club and manager Guus Hiddink.
"We condemn such idiotic and dangerous behaviour," a Chelsea spokesman said.
"It is also worth stating this is a criminal offence and we will support any police prosecution if they can be identified."
Both West Brom and Chelsea will be hoping they can find the individuals responsible as soon as possible, and that their punishments will detract any further incidents of fans throwing missiles on the pitch.
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