A throwback to the dark ages. A terrible day for football. Scenes and pictures we hoped we would never see again. Phrases used to describe the Aston Villa supporters invading the pitch after their 2-0 victory over West Brom last Saturday.

The fans weren’t running on the pitch in anger. They weren’t looking to attack the West Brom players. It was a sense of relief after years of dismal football, the joy of watching your team beat your local rivals to set up a trip to Wembley and a look into a future where the glory years may return.

Lower down the leagues, pitch invasions after victories which secure promotions or set up cup finals are common and the media loves it.