The EFL have warned supporters that they will crackdown on pitch invasions by introducing tougher sanctions in an attempt to prevent the disorder that marred the end of the season.
Grounds across the country saw fans run onto the field with the most notable incidents taking place at Nottingham Forest and Port Vale during their play-off victories. One man was arrested for 24 weeks after headbutting Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp while a minority of Vale fans were accused of physically and verbally abusing Swindon players after their play-off semi-final.
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira was also filmed kicking an Everton supporter who had run onto the field and goaded him after the Toffees secured Premier League survival with a dramatic 3-2 victory at Goodison Park.
A minority of Bristol City fans entered the field during the player's lap of appreciation against Hull City, in their final home game of the 2021/22 season, while Bristol Rovers supporters also celebrated on the pitch after scoring their seventh in the promotion-winning game against Scunthorpe.
Trevor Birch, the EFL's chief executive, penned an open letter to supporters asking them to "think before they act" or else the clubs could face capacity reductions and financial penalties.
Reported by the Guardian, it read: "The pitch incursions we have all seen cannot continue. Let’s be crystal clear: it is a criminal offence to enter the field of play. Any supporter doing so risks being arrested and receiving a club ban, a Football Banning Order, and a criminal record.
"While some suggest that pitch invasions are harmless in the main, the reality is that they are facilitating unacceptable behaviour by providing cover for the reckless few seeking to cause harm. There can be no blurring of the lines or ambiguity with this matter. Simply put, the pitch is for participants and the stands for spectators.”
While discussions have already taken place between the EFL, Premier League and FA, Birch conceded they will hold further talks before implementing new rules heading into next season.
He added: "The introduction of tougher but proportionate sanctions will now also have to be considered with your respective club in the early part of next month. For our part, we will need to discuss what further measures could be introduced for the new season, including the potential use of capacity reductions, financial penalties, or other similar mitigations.
"All fans [should] think before they act and leave the pitch for the teams to play the game. That way there will be no requirement for authorities to get involved and everything can be settled on the field as it should be.”
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