Wolves give an update on the use of The Liquidator at Molineux, a song which has been banned from being played pre-match for two decades.
It’s a popular song heard at grounds across English football, but after a request by West Midlands Police, a decision was made to stop it.
It is said that fans used the tune to ‘chant abuse’ or ‘obscenities’ towards rivals West Brom, who themselves have played it before home games.
An update on the use of The Liquidator at Molineux.https://t.co/j24VwOfM7q
— Wolves (@Wolves) August 20, 2026
The club said in a statement: “During the BBC WM Fan Forum in May, Wolves executive chairman Nathan Shi committed to reviewing the club’s position on the use of The Liquidator at Molineux.
“The club has since completed a detailed review, including discussions with the Molineux Stadium Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which brings together representatives from the relevant statutory agencies and key stakeholders.
“Having considered the history of the song, the views expressed by supporters and the club’s responsibilities around supporter behaviour, safety and governance, Wolves has decided that The Liquidator will not be reintroduced into the pre-match entertainment schedule at Molineux.
“The club recognises the significance of the song to sections of the Wolves support and its long association with the atmosphere at Molineux, however football, and the regulatory environment in which clubs operate, have changed considerably over the past two decades.
“In recent seasons, Wolves has been sanctioned by the Football Association in relation to mass discriminatory chanting, and against that backdrop, the club does not believe it would be appropriate to reintroduce a song which has historically prompted mass offensive chanting at Molineux.
“The decision reflects Wolves’ responsibility to provide a welcoming matchday environment for everyone, while meeting the standards expected of the club in relation to supporter behaviour, safety and governance.”
Nathan Shi said: “When I spoke to supporters in May, I said we would look at this issue again properly, and we have done that.
“We have considered the different views, reviewed the history and context, and consulted with the Safety Advisory Group. Having gone through that process, we believe this is the right decision for the club.
“I respect what The Liquidator means to many Wolves supporters and its place in the history of Molineux, but we also have a responsibility to make decisions based on where the club is today and the standards we expect around our matchday environment.”
As Wolves celebrates its 150th anniversary this season, the club remains committed to protecting the traditions that make Molineux distinctive while continuing to develop a matchday experience that reflects the club today and its future.
Wolves will continue its ongoing dialogue with supporters through established channels, including the Fan Advisory Board and newly established Fan Experience Focus Group.
In 2002, Chief Superintendent John Colston sent a letter to Sir Jack Hayward regarding the banning of `The Liquidator`.
Obtained and posted onto thefootballnetwork website, it read:
“Dear Sir Jack
re: The ‘Liquidator’
I am aware that my predecessor – Chief Superintendent Roger Alien – took issue with the playing of the’Liquidator’. I am sorry that the playing of the tune has resurrected itself and the foul language which is associated with it. I am certainly not a prude, but people do take exception to several thousand supporters screaming “F*** o** West Brom” at the top of their voices.
This Season we have seen the arrival of particularly nasty supporters under the name of ‘Young Wolves’. That is why we are having to police every match. Even after the victory against Coventry City, they came back to the City Centre and caused mayhem. I am happy with the support that we are receiving from the Club in tackling the problems. Anything we can do to reduce tension at matches must be beneficial.
I am aware of letters to supporters, notices and messages on a web site appealing to supporters to not swear. The philosophy of the Football League is to ‘clean up the anti-social behaviour associated with the game. ‘The playing of the ‘Liquidator’ undermines all of this; in fact, in my opinion it is sheer hypocrisy.
I feel it sad that with all the serious crime in Wolverhampton, I have to spend time composing a letter requesting that the record is not played at football matches. I really do have better things to do with my time. My understanding of the situation is that they play it at West Bromwich so why shouldn’t we play it at Wolverhampton Wanderers? My colleague, Chief Superintendent Gilbert, from West Bromwich will write to the Chairman of West Bromwich Albion Football Club requesting that they do not play it.
You have received 100% co-operation from myself in respect of policing over a number-of years, e.g. reducing charges wherever possible. The relationship between us has always been cordial. I therefore ask that the ‘Liquidator’ is no longer played. This is important, in order to reduce tension. The intelligence associated with the match to be played against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, clearly indicates that some form of confrontation is planned between the ‘yobs’ that associate themselves with respectable Football Clubs.
Should you wish, I am more than happy to discuss the rationale with you personally as opposed to the rather impersonal medium of a letter.
Yours sincerely,
John Colston
Chief Superintendent”
