The new restrictions in England to combat rising anti-social conduct include an immediate suspension from clubs for soccer supporters who rush onto the pitch or use things like smoke bombs and fireworks.
After a slew of events tarnished the final weeks of the 2017-18 Premier League and lower league seasons, fans voiced concern about the lack of security inside stadiums.
A supporter from Nottingham Forest headbutted Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp in the face at the conclusion of a playoff game in the second-tier Championship, while Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira kicked out at a mocking fan from Everton during a field invasion at Goodison Park. The admirer of the Forest was sentenced to 24 weeks in jail.
English Fans Have Become Too Anti-Social
Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham stated, “The surge in anti-social conduct that we observed in stadiums at the close of last season was absolutely unacceptable and placed people’s safety at risk.”
We will not allow this kind of unlawful and hazardous activity, and thus English football has implemented tougher restrictions and heavier punishments to deliver that message.
There was no mention of suspension durations from the English FA.
New regulations will be implemented in time for the 2022–23 season, and they have the support of the Football Supporters’ Association.
The FA has warned that parents and guardians who come to see their children participate in field invasions may also be banned from entering the stadium.
To further enforce the rules, the regulatory body has announced that it would be implementing a stricter pricing and penalising policy for clubs.
