Everton have released a statement urging supporters to stay off the pitch after more fans encroached onto the field of play in the aftermath of the win over Dynamo Kyiv at Goodison Park.
The final whistle saw a number of fans, the majority seemingly being children, run onto the field and approach a number of players, evading stewards as they went. This continued for a number of minutes until everyone was back in the stands and the organised post-match event could continue as planned.
Everton were charged with two breaches of FA Rule E20 following the win over Crystal Palace at the end of last season, which saw thousands run onto the field in a huge release of emotion after what was a stunning comeback to win 3-2 and secure the club's Premier League status.
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And, on Saturday, the Blues have issued a statement to remind fans that they must stay in their seats. The notice reminds supporters it is a criminal offence to enter the field of play - and that stadium bans can, and will, be enforced on anyone entering the pitch.
The statement reads: "Everton Football Club wishes to remind supporters that entering the field of play is a criminal offence.
"The club is committed to the Premier League, FA and EFL’s collective stance in tackling anti-social and criminal behaviour at football matches and will take a zero-tolerance approach to pitch encroachment during the 2022/23 campaign.
"Stadium bans - and even criminal prosecution - can and will be enforced to punish anyone that enters the playing area.
"The club is legally compelled to work with the authorities to identify any individuals who take part in such activity. This also applies to the use of any pyrotechnics (smoke grenades and or flares) and the throwing of objects of any description on to the pitch. These acts are dangerous, illegal and have severe consequences.
"The trend of children being sent on to the pitch has recently increased in prevalence and this cannot and will not be tolerated. In this instance the Club will be forced to issue lengthy stadium bans to the parents or guardians of any young people who encroach on to the playing area before, during or after the match.
"Parents and guardians are reminded of their responsibility.
"CCTV is available to both the Club and law enforcement authorities and can be used as evidence in enforcing bans and criminal prosecution in the days and weeks after any incident has occurred, regardless if any perpetrators have been detained on a matchday or not.
"Any prosecution could result in a criminal record, which may affect current and future employment, or for young people current or future education opportunities. In some cases prosecution could end in a prison sentence."
At the end of last season, the FA issued a warning to clubs after a spate of pitch invasions across numerous sides in the country. Following that, the organisation confirmed they would be tougher in their sanctioning policy against clubs - meaning strict punishments could be enforced.
Everton also urged supporters not just to take their own potential punishments into account, but that of the club as well.
Their statement continued: "The FA recently confirmed it will be enforcing a tougher charging sanctioning policy for clubs. Therefore, all supporters are urged to understand that if the club fails to comply with the Ground Safety Regulations, set out within Goodison Park’s Ground Safety Certificate, the Club will face punishment which could include a partial or full closure of the stadium to supporters.
"The club values and embraces the vital role supporters play in making Goodison Park such a special place on matchdays. However, support must always be done legally while also ensuring the health and safety of fellow fans and Club staff.
"The passion, fervour and dedication of Everton supporters is something Frank Lampard and his players appreciate and don’t want to see impacted. Therefore, it is paramount the Club takes strong action against anyone who breaches the playing area, endangers the safety of others by using pyrotechnics or by throwing any objects on to the pitch. "
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