English Football Association have announced that tougher sanctions will be implemented on anti-social behaviour at matches across 2022-23 season.
Since crowd disorder at UEFA Men’s Euro last summer, anti-social behaviour continued to worsen across last season, culminating in various pitch invasions including at full-time of Nottingham Forest’s Championship play-off semi-final against Sheffield United in May.
That particular incident at the City Ground saw fans invade the pitch to celebrate Forest beating the Blades on penalties to qualify for the Play-Off Final, with Utd’s Billy Sharp knocked over by a supporter who is now serving a 24 week sentence in prison.
Utd’s Oli McBurnie and Rhian Brewster meanwhile have been charged with common assault following separate incidents, of which the pair will appear in court on 28 July.
The English FA, Premier League and English Football League (EFL) officials have consequently opted to implement new rules targeting illegal activity like non-consensual entry of pitch, carrying or use of smoke bombs or pyrotechnics as well as object throwing.
Drug use and discriminatory language will also be tackled as part of these new rules, especially after a fan was ejected from Chesterfield’s pre-season friendly against Bradford for hurling racist language at the visiting Bantams.
In a statement, the FA, Premier League and EFL officials iterated the following message: “These acts are dangerous, illegal and have severe consequences. They have no place in football, or anywhere.”
Clubs will be required to report identified offenders to police this season aware that prosecution will result in permanent criminal records, plus the offender potentially face further repercussions on employment and education as well as a prison sentence.
FA officials have also confirmed that anyone illegally caught invading the pitch or are identified in possession of pyrotechnics will automatically receive a club ban, which could be extended to include parents or guardians if children illegally participate in those activities.
Police forces across the UK and UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) plus Crown Prosecution Service will also work closely with the FA and England’s top four leagues moving forward, in order to establish new rules concerning cases related to pyrotechnics and smoke bombs plus pitch invasions.
Clubs will also work closer with UKFPU to enhance their security searches with increased use of sniffer dogs, whilst also engaging with the UK Government, broadcasters, police and social media platforms to try and discourage an increase in anti-social behaviour at matches.
FA Chief Executive, Mark Bullingham addressed fans on the implementation of these new rules as he blasted the increased anti-social behaviour as “unacceptable”, despite football playing a “fantastic and unique” part in uniting communities across the country.
Explaining the reason behind these new procedures for this season, Bullingham said: “Together, English football has introduced new measures and stronger sanctions, for the start of the coming season, to send out a clear message that we will not tolerate this type of illegal and dangerous behaviour.
“Football stadiums must be a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment for all, and it is the responsibility of everyone in the game, including governing bodies, clubs, players, coaches, and fans, to ensure that we all play our part in protecting our game and each other.”
Players have also been instructed to avoid engaging with fans who invade pitches or picking up smoke bombs or pyrotechnics.
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