Ahead of Premier League teams playing their final home matches of the season, renewed calls are being made to fans to remind them of the importance of a safe matchday environment for everyone.
At the start of the season The FA, Premier League and EFL introduced new measures and stronger sanctions across the game to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviours within football grounds, underlining the importance of a safe matchday environment.
The new set of actions have been backed by the Football Supporters’ Association and target activity such as entering the pitch without permission, carrying or using smoke bombs or pyrotechnics and throwing objects - as well as drug use and discriminatory behaviour.
These acts are dangerous, illegal and have severe consequences. They have no place in football, or anywhere.
For everyone’s safety, clubs will report anyone carrying out these offences to the police, which can result in a permanent criminal record.
These measures could also now apply to the parents or guardians of children involved in these activities.
Anyone who enters the pitch and those carrying or using smoke bombs and pyros will now automatically be banned by their club.
See: Leeds hand lifetime ban to pitch invader
These measures reflect the seriousness of the risks to fans and staff – pyros can burn at 2,000 degrees Celsius and cause life-changing injuries, while entering the pitch endangers players, managers and match officials – it is impossible for anyone to tell the difference between a celebrating fan and a violent attacker.
The football authorities are working with clubs and the Football Supporters’ Association to make sure everyone feels safe on matchdays.
We ask all fans to come together to show that those who commit these illegal acts do not represent the majority of supporters.
Love Football. Protect the Game.