Flares might be in fashion over in Birmingham but Roberto Di Matteo has urged the followers of West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers to behave themselves when they meet this weekend.
Thugs brought shame to England’s second city earlier this month when Villa and Blues hooligans threw a lit flare back and forth following their Carling Cup showdown.
A section of away followers also smashed up toilets in the Gil Merrick stand.
Di Matteo wants the Black Country fans to behave themselves.
“Nobody wants to see pitch invasions and people getting hurt,” said the Italian.
“That is the last thing that we need in football.
“I really want to get that message to the supporters – do whatever you have to do, enjoy the banter and everything else but keep it within the sports culture and show respect for each other.
“We are aware of the rivalry because the fans have mentioned it to me.
“I’ve had a chat with the players about it too. The feedback I’ve had is that the fans don’t like each other very much so it’s put me in the picture.
Di Matteo is no stranger to derbies having played for Lazio versus AS Roma during his spell in the Italian capital.
Those games live on in the Albion’s manager’s memory.
“I experienced the Roman derby as a player which is a hell of a derby,” he continued. “People go crazy over there. It’s in the Olympic stadium, sold out, the most important game.
“Trouble is if you might do well in that game but badly in the rest of them – then there’s no point.
“But Lazio v Roma is one of the hottest I’ve been involved in. It’s quite dramatic to say the least.”
