The English Football League (EFL) has issued an important message to supporters to not alert players in the event of a medical emergency within the crowd.
The directive came as the EFL issued clear advice to supporters following an increased focus on the number of medical emergencies within the stands this season. Numerous games in the EFL, as well as the Premier League, have seen matches halted after incidents involving supporters. In one weekend in March, four EFL games were all paused at some point due to emergencies in the stands.
Now, advice has been given for fans to make the incident known to the nearest steward rather than aiming to get the attention of players out on the pitch. A lengthy statement released by the league included the advice: "Supporters are asked not to alert players or staff on the pitch as in most cases the crowd medical team will be able to provide medical care as the match continues."
While a growing number of matches have been temporarily suspended this season, medical emergencies in the stands are not uncommon and have always existed on matchdays. Clubs have their own medical teams on hand to provide support to fans inside the ground, which are separate to the medical staff used to assist the players of the teams competing on the field.
The EFL state that by raising the alarm to players and match officials, operational protocols are being circumvented, and many of the incidents which have occurred could have been handled quickly and efficiently without the need for a stoppage in play. In addition, stoppages in play can raise further safety issues, with guidance stating that matches should continue unless the welfare of the person involved is affected by doing so.
The new advice to supporters comes following guidance from the Sports Ground Safety Authority to the professional game as a whole. The full EFL statement reads: "With over 20 million supporters attending EFL fixtures each season, there will be occasions where a supporter will require medical treatment during a match.
"The health and safety of everybody attending matches at EFL Clubs’ stadiums is of paramount importance, so fans can be reassured that all Clubs have a Matchday Medical Plan with dedicated crowd medical teams in stadia, ready to assist at any point during the match.
"If a supporter becomes unwell at an EFL Club’s stadium and requires medical assistance, then we strongly advise that the nearest steward is made aware, who will ensure that the crowd medical team is notified and that appropriate care is provided. It is important to note that the responsibilities of the crowd medical teams are separate to club medical support teams for players.
"This season, a number of EFL matches have been paused while medical treatment has been provided to supporters. On several occasions, the usual Matchday Medical Plan has been bypassed with members of the Clubs’ on-pitch medical teams called in to assist.
"Supporters are asked not to alert players or staff on the pitch as in most cases the crowd medical team will be able to provide medical care as the match continues. Should a situation arise where there is a need for the match to be halted, a decision will be taken between the crowd medical team, the ground safety team and the match officials with the information relayed to the supporters at the ground.
"This is in line with the briefing note produced by National Events Medicine Advisory Group (NEMAG) in conjunction with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority’s (SGSA) and football authorities. Again, it is important to remember that if you have any concerns or need assistance while at the match, then please notify your nearest steward."
