TE24 International Desk:
Manchester, England – England’s Premier League and Football League have announced tough new bans on pitch invasions and the use of smoke bombs and pyrotechnics.
Last season saw an increasing number of end-of-season pitch invasions as fans celebrated titles, promotion or survival.
There were several brawls on the pitch, including with Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira, while Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp was attacked by a fan after the play-off defeat at Nottingham Forest.
Smoke bombs and pyrotechnics, which have long been used at games in continental Europe and elsewhere in the world, were relatively rare in England but their use has become a more regular occurrence.
The league and the Football Association said that from the start of the new season “all identified offenders will be reported by clubs to the police and prosecution may result in a permanent criminal record, which may affect their employment and education and result in imprisonment.”
“Furthermore, anyone entering the grounds and carrying or using magic or smoke bombs will now receive an automatic club ban. These bans may extend to accompanying parents or legal guardians of children participating in these activities.”
The league is trying to censor videos showing intrusions between pitches and smoke grenades, working with social media companies to quickly remove the footage and limit the supply of restricted fireworks and smoke bombs. Calling on the government to reform.
The increase in anti-social behavior at the stadium towards the end of last season was completely unacceptable, putting people’s safety at risk, said Mark Bringham, CEO.
F.A. British football introduced new measures and tougher bans at the start of next season to send a clear message that they will not tolerate such illegal and dangerous behaviour. ”
The move is supported by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA).
“People who jump onto the pitch or stand on the pyro are regularly contacted and always regret it,” said FSA chief Kevin Miles.
Whether they had a positive intention or not does not matter in the eyes of the law. Pyro and pitch attacks are illegal. You will be prosecuted and expelled from the club.
