West Bromwich Albion have condemned the Aston Villa supporters who invaded the pitch during and at the end of their FA Cup quarter-final and endangered players and staff. Albion have also threatened to ban any of their own fans guilty of ripping out and throwing seats.

The FA will formally launch its investigation on Monday into the scenes at Villa Park that are said to have enraged Jeremy Peace, the West Brom chairman, as he left the stadium following Villa’s 2-0 victory.

Albion have noted Villa’s apology for the behaviour of the thousands of their supporters “who could not control themselves” as they poured on to the pitch at the end of the clubs’ second derby match in five days. They promised a zero-tolerance approach to any of their supporters bringing the club into disrepute, after fans hurled ripped seats from the upper tier of the North Stand on to home fans below, but Villa fell short of threatening banning orders.

Tony Pulis, the West Brom manager, lambasted the “mindless idiots” who had overshadowed a pulsating Cup tie as Villa sealed their semi-final place at Wembley through goals from Fabian Delph and Scott Sinclair.

The FA, likely to fine Villa a six-figure sum for an inability to control their supporters, confirmed that entering the field of play is seen by clubs and the police as a public-order offence. West Midlands police confirmed 17 arrests during the afternoon: “We will also be supporting the Football Association to identify people involved in pitch invasions that happened at the end of the match.”

The BBC selected the match for a 5.30pm kick-off, offering supporters of the local rivals the opportunity of more drinking time before the game. It is thought West Brom were not satisfied at the majority of their 6,000 fans being housed in the upper tier of the North Stand, above Villa supporters.

The FA will await reports from police, the clubs and their crowd-control officer present at the game before deciding on sanctions. Callum McManaman, a West Bromwich substitute, had to be restrained by a team-mate from retaliating after being provoked by gloating Villa fans. Others filmed themselves making obscene gestures at Boaz Myhill as the goalkeeper left the crowded field.

A statement from The Hawthorns read: “West Bromwich Albion note the public apology issued by Aston Villa in the wake of the disturbing scenes during and after the FA Cup quarter-final at Villa Park. The apology is received in the spirit with which it was intended.

“The club is also aware of reports of serious misbehaviour involving some of its own supporters. It issues an uncompromising reminder that any supporter found guilty of disorder offences can expect the appropriate sanction from the club. West Bromwich Albion will continue to operate zero tolerance to any fans who bring the club’s reputation into disrepute.

“The club also welcomes the FA investigation into the scenes and how they came about; West Bromwich Albion will co-operate fully.

“Pitch invasions cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. The safety of the club’s players and staff during and at the end of the game was clearly compromised and that has to be a subject of deep concern for everyone involved.”