Arguably the biggest topic in English football throughout the midweek was not the results of key matches but instead the actions of some fans inside stadiums.
It was learned on Thursday that a Nottingham Forest season-ticket holder was jailed for 24 weeks for head-butting Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp following Tuesday’s game between those clubs, and Sky Sports noted on Friday that Merseyside Police are investigating an incident involving Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira and a reported Everton fan that occurred after supporters stormed the field following Everton’s emotional come-from-behind win on Thursday.
The English Football League said Wednesday it could impose partial and even full stadium closures next season to punish teams for future pitch invasions. Per Jacob Whitehead and Luke Brown of The Athletic, the English Football Association sent a stern warning to clubs in a statement released Friday.
“We are very concerned about the rise in anti-social behaviour from fans as we reach the end of the season,” the FA explained. “Football stadiums should always be a safe and enjoyable space for everyone, and these incidents are completely unacceptable and have no place in our game.
“It is illegal to enter the pitch area in any stadium and these actions are putting players, fans and people who run the game at great risk. This simply cannot continue and we can confirm that we are investigating all of the incidences.
“Clubs play a vital role in addressing this issue, and they need to prevent pitch invasions from occurring, as well as taking their own action against those that break the rules and the law. The FA will be seeking to do all that it can to work with clubs as well as addressing the issues from a disciplinary perspective.
“We are also reviewing our regulations to help stamp this behaviour out and to ensure the safety of everyone inside a stadium”
Former player and pundit Stan Collymore took to Twitter to share alarming data:
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