FA Investigating Chris Brunt Being Struck by Coin During West Brom vs. Reading

The English Football Association has confirmed it has launched an investigation into an incident during Saturday's FA Cup match between Reading and West Bromwich Albion that saw Chris Brunt get struck in the head by a coin that appeared to be tossed by a fan.

Brunt's team-mate James McClean took to Twitter to comment on the incident, branding the person who tossed the coin as "cowardly":

"

Everyone right to be upset todays result, but to throw a coin at any player, esp one who has played over 300 games for the club...

— James McClean (@JamesMcC14) February 20, 2016"

"

...and hide not having the decency to own is up is just cowardly #coward #disgrace

— James McClean (@JamesMcC14) February 20, 2016"

The FA released a statement on Twitter: 

"

The @FA is investigating the incident in which an object was thrown at Chris Brunt at the end of the Reading v West Brom game, as well as the crowd disturbances in the away section of the stadium. We strongly condemn any such behaviour and will work with both clubs and the authorities to identify those responsible.

"

The Baggies released a statement later in the day:

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ALL our true supporters will join the Club in condemning the sickening behaviour of a few individuals at the end of our FA Cup fifth-round tie at Reading.

They will be horrified at the sight of one of our longest-serving players, Chris Brunt, being struck beneath an eye by a coin as he attempted to show the team's appreciation to the travelling fans for their backing during an ultimately disappointing afternoon.

The incident should not be allowed to blacken the good name of West Bromwich Albion and its loyal supporters.

We are working with all the relevant authorities to identify as quickly as possible the offender, who can expect the severest of sanctions by the Club for his actions.

We are now sure all our supporters will be anxious to show the true spirit of the genuine West Bromwich Albion fans for the forthcoming fixtures, beginning against Crystal Palace at The Hawthorns on Saturday.

"

Reading beat West Brom 3-1 to advance to the next round, and the away fans made it clear they were anything but happy. Per Dan Walker of Football Focus, one fan threw a coin at Brunt, despite the latter playing for the away side, and the coin left a clear mark on his face:

According to ITV, Brunt later told reporters he was "ashamed" of his own fans:

"

I've still got the 50p. I spotted a little girl in the front row and wanted to give her my shirt.

Obviously there's some people in the front who were angry, understandably, because we didn't play well or got the result we wanted.

But there's absolutely no excuse for that and no place for it in football. I've been here a long time. Obviously we all get our fair share of stick but to be hit with a coin by your own fans is absolutely disgusting. ...

... I've been here a long time and I've loved my time here and that's the first time I've been ashamed of our supporters. A small minority obviously ruined it for the rest of the 4,000 who were there and paid good money for a day trip.

"

Manager Tony Pulis also commented on the incident, calling it "barbaric" and "criminal," per the ITV story.

In addition, Brunt remonstrated with a number of angry fans in the front row and ended up giving his shirt away regardless.

According to Paul Suart of the Birmingham Mail, West Brom have already confirmed they will ban the person who threw the coin from the club for life.