Post by Webster on May 20, 2022 18:53:42 GMT
(The Guardian) Sticking on the subject of pitch invasions, the Professional Footballers’ Association has called on the football authorities to be tougher on anyone encroaching the pitch. There have been problems involving Port Vale fans and Swindon Players, Patrick Vieira and Everton fans, Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp being headbutted and Mansfield’s being manhandled by Northampton supporters just in the past week.
Here’s what a union spokesperson had to say: Since the return from lockdown, police data shows that incidents of fan disorder have been on the increase, and this has coincided with a rise of assaults on players by fans. While the broader issue of increased fan disorder requires a co-ordinated and long-term strategy, the clubs, leagues and police need to put their immediate focus on stopping large-scale pitch invasions. Encroachment on the field of play is against the law. While the majority of fans may be celebrating, it is clear that for a minority, this behaviour becomes toxic, aggressive and dangerous. This scenario has resulted in an unsafe environment for players and club staff. People are at risk of being seriously hurt or worse. The football authorities need to be tough and send a clear message. These are predictable events, it is a criminal offence, and it is unacceptable.
Here’s what a union spokesperson had to say: Since the return from lockdown, police data shows that incidents of fan disorder have been on the increase, and this has coincided with a rise of assaults on players by fans. While the broader issue of increased fan disorder requires a co-ordinated and long-term strategy, the clubs, leagues and police need to put their immediate focus on stopping large-scale pitch invasions. Encroachment on the field of play is against the law. While the majority of fans may be celebrating, it is clear that for a minority, this behaviour becomes toxic, aggressive and dangerous. This scenario has resulted in an unsafe environment for players and club staff. People are at risk of being seriously hurt or worse. The football authorities need to be tough and send a clear message. These are predictable events, it is a criminal offence, and it is unacceptable.