Police arrest male over coin thrown at West Brom's Chris Brunt

Police have arrested a male in connection with the coin thrown at Chris Brunt that cut the West Brom midfielder under the eye at Reading on Saturday.

Hampshire and Thames Valley Police joint-operations unit confirmed the arrest on Tuesday lunchtime.

Both Thames Valley and the Football Association launched inquires at the weekend after Brunt was struck in the face by a coin he claims was thrown by one of his own supporters following a 3-1 defeat in the FA Cup fifth round at the Madejski Stadium.

Brunt branded the incident "disgusting" and his manager Tony Pulis called it "barbaric" as West Brom confirmed "the offender could expect the severest possible sanctions".

Thames Valley police said they were treating the incident as "an assault", after it was understood the alleged offender was identified by stewards in a picture passed to force.

Brunt, who has been at the Baggies for nine years, said on Saturday: "There's absolutely no excuse for what's gone on and I hope whoever has decided it's okay to throw coins at his own team has a good look at themselves. 

Amd Baggies boss Pulis added: "It is just barbaric. I hope the police get involved - I think they have to. I don't think you can allow that to go by. It's criminal."

"The cut is not too far away from his eye - just under. It's an inch away from striking him in his eye. If that happens, then we're talking about a very, very serious problem."

An FA statement read: "We strongly condemn any such behaviour and will work with both clubs and the authorities to identify those responsible."