READING, England (AP) — West Bromwich Albion captain Chris Brunt said he feels "absolutely disgusted and ashamed" after being hit near his left eye from a coin thrown by one of the team's supporters following an FA Cup match on Saturday.
Brunt went over to applaud the West Brom fans after the team's 3-1 loss at Reading in the fifth round on Saturday. He went down clutching his face, and then confronted a group of supporters before being led away by match stewards and a teammate.
Brunt later spoke to the BBC with a cut under his eye, saying: "They thought it was OK to throw a coin at their own players. I'm disgusted . they paid a lot of money to come, but a small minority spoilt it."
The English Football Association said it was investigating the incident, as well as crowd disturbances among West Brom fans.
"We strongly condemn any such behavior," the FA said in a statement, "and will work with both clubs and the authorities to identify those responsible."