Richard Masters Premier League
The FA, Premier League and EFL are introducing tougher penalties aimed at tackling an increase anti-social and criminal behaviour. In a joint statement the governing bodies confirmed that from the start of the 2022/23 season there will be a clampdown on things like entering the pitch without permission, carrying or using smoke bombs or pyrotechnics, throwing objects, drug use and discriminatory behaviour.
The statement says: “These acts are dangerous, illegal and have severe consequences. They have no place in football, or anywhere. It adds that all identified offenders will be reported by clubs to the police and prosecution could result in a permanent criminal record. The FA will also be enforcing a tougher charging and sanctioning policy for clubs, which will reinforce these measures. Anyone who enters the pitch and those identified carrying or using pyrotechnics or smoke bombs will now receive an automatic club ban. These bans could also be extended to accompanying parents or guardians of children who take part in these activities. The safety of everyone attending a matchday is the game’s collective priority. We know the behaviours carried out by some fans last season do not represent the majority of supporters and they risk ruining the fantastic experience of a football match for everyone. Our strong and collective approach reflects how seriously we all view this issue and the severity of the risks. Nobody should be intimidated or assaulted in their workplace. The pitch must remain safe for players, managers and match officials, just as the stands should be for supporters.”
The authorities say they will work with police forces and the Crown Prosecution Service to establish a new principle for cases relating to pyrotechnics and smoke bombs and pitch invasions. Other measures to be implemented include working with clubs to enhance search regimes and increased use of sniffer dogs at grounds. They will also work with social media platforms to establish new ways of quicker removal of fan-generated videos of illegal behaviour at football matches and will ask the Government to reform regulations to restrict the supply of pyrotechnics and smoke bombs.
FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham said: “The rise in anti-social behaviour that we saw in stadiums at the end of last season was entirely unacceptable and put people’s safety at risk. Together, English football has introduced new measures and stronger sanctions, for the start of the coming season, to send out a clear message that we will not tolerate this type of illegal and dangerous behaviour.”
EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch added: “It is wholly appropriate that these unacceptable behaviours will now be dealt with through a combination of police action and automatic club bans. There is nothing like going to watch your team live and that is why the English professional game has taken strong collective action, to ensure the match day experience remains a safe and welcoming environment for all including fans, players, club staff and match officials.”
