The English Football Association has implemented stiffened sanctions on pitch invaders. Those who carry firearms, smoke bombs or Pyrotechnics will be identified, arrested and handed over to the police.
Recalled that Premier League clubs agreed on new measures to deal with pitch invasions last month following a series of incidents.
Last season, Aston Villa player Olsen Robin was attacked at the Etihad Stadium during the final game of the season.
The Football Association will also implement tougher sanctions for clubs.
It is an offence for fans to enter the pitch “without lawful authority or lawful excuse” under the Football Offences Act 1991—but offenders have not always been prosecuted.
However, prosecuting offenders will now be the “default response” under the new measures.
According to BBC, The leagues and the FA will:
Work with clubs to improve searches for individuals.
Increase the use of sniffer dogs on grounds
work with social media platforms to quickly remove fan-generated videos of illegal behaviour.
Ask the government to restrict the supply of pyrotechnics and smoke bombs.
Potentially ban accompanying parents or guardians of children who take part in illegal behaviour
The Premier League, EFL and FA will also work with police forces to “establish a new principle for cases relating to 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.
“It is the responsibility of everyone in the game, including governing bodies, clubs, players, coaches, and fans, to ensure that we all play our part in protecting our game and each other.”
Kevin Miles, chief executive of the Football Supporter’s Association, added:
“We are contacted by supporters on a fairly regular basis who have been caught jumping on the pitch, or with pyro in the stands, and universally, they regret doing it.
“Whether they had positive intentions or not is irrelevant according to the law—pyro and pitch incursions are illegal, you will be prosecuted, and you will be banned by your club.”
