Southampton overcame West Brom to secure their play in the EFL Championship play-off final but things became heated between rival fans after the game, taking away from the occasion.
Southampton - who were relegated from the Premier League last season - could yet be set for an immediate return with Leeds awaiting them in the final.
The Saints had two much for West Brom at St Mary's, winning 3-1 on the night to set up that clash with a Leeds side which handsomely beat Norwich 4-0 on Thursday.
There was plenty of cause for Irish interest, with Will Smallbone scoring a screamer and Ryan Manning in reserve for the side.
Gavin Bazunu, sidelined with an achilles injury, is the club's first-choice goalkeeper and should play a key role next season if they do return to the Premier League.
Smallbone, who will be looking to play a major role of his own under the next Ireland manager, found the net with a rifle of a shot to put the hosts in front.
Will Smallbone, WHAT A STRIKE! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/lASJe6L6ws
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 17, 2024
An Adam Armstrong brace put Southampton out of sight with West Brom nabbing a consolation goal in the 97th minute.
Fan clashes mar Southampton play-off semi-final win
However, there are unsavoury scenes from after the game doing the rounds on social media with supporters from both teams engaging in an ill-tempered back-and-forth.
Hundreds of the home fans entered the pitch following the full-time whistle to congratulate their players on reaching Wembley, but things appeared to get out-of-hand.
Disgraceful from the Southampton fans to gloat in front of and goad #WBA fans after their play-off semi-final victory. Just celebrate with your own fans and team. pic.twitter.com/N32OGkP5ge
— Steve Hermon (@SteveHermon) May 17, 2024
Some of the home supporters appeared to gloat West Brom fans in the away end after their win, prompting further anger.
Security can be seen in one clip forming a blockade in an effort to keeps supporters separated as tempers flared.
Southampton and West Brom go at each other after Southampton fans celebrate their win on the pitch right infront of the travelling West Brom fans…
Looks like it could boil over at any point… 😬 pic.twitter.com/lXIhuwqtJE— The Away Fans (@theawayfans) May 17, 2024
One other supporter has garnered plenty of attention although for different reasons with one of the most unique celebrations you are ever likely to see.
The man in question was clearly thrilled when Armstrong doubled their lead, appearing to hold a prosthetic leg in the air in celebration.
Southampton fan with a unique celebration tonight…
🦿🤣 pic.twitter.com/Obpm8cZerI— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) May 17, 2024
He waved around in jubilation, clearly lost in the joy of the moment.
Bizarre.
Leeds and Southampton are set to battle it out for a return in the Premier League on Saturday, May 26.
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