The footage of a supporter with a blood-swamped head being led away by police during Sunday's Black Country derby was like the poster for a horror movie.
Unfortunately, the anarchy, tribalism, and rage which led to it is spreading its poisonous roots throughout grounds across the United Kingdom - and is spilling onto the streets.
This is not a problem exclusive to British football. Legia Warsaw hooligans brought ugly mayhem to Aston Villa in November, with one police officer engulfed in flames.
In August, a Greek fan was stabbed to death after violence erupted between AEK Athens and Dinamo Zagreb fans.