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Conclusions of 2021-22 European football seasons were marred by a myriad of unfortunate events related to fan behavior in the stands and invasions of playing fields.
A Nottingham Forest season ticket holder was jailed for 24 weeks for head-butting Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp shortly after a match. Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira was involved in an altercation with a reported Everton fan after supporters stormed the pitch following Everton’s come-from-behind win that assured their English Premier League safety for another season. Per Reuters (h/t ESPN), Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen was “attacked” while Manchester City fans celebrated their side’s Premier League title victory.
The English Football League has threatened to impose partial and even full stadium closures to punish clubs for future pitch invasions, and the English Football Association also vowed to investigate instances of crowd misbehavior. On Thursday, the Premier League addressed the matter and confirmed it will “introduce enhanced measures ahead of the start of next season, underlining the importance of a safe matchday environment.”
Per the release, “missiles, pyrotechnics and pitch invasions” are specific issues that will be tackled.
“Supporters must be reminded it is illegal to enter the pitch at any time. To be clear, this area is unequivocally for football and, under no circumstance should players, managers, match officials or staff fear for their safety – just as fans should remain protected in the stands,” Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said for the statement.
“In addition, we have seen an increase in the use of pyrotechnics and missiles, both of which are not only a criminal offense, but can cause serious injury. These types of incidents must stop and new measures for next season will make that clear – the League fully supports club and football-wide bans for offenders. It is the minority who are behaving unacceptably and they risk ruining the matchday experience for the vast majority of law-abiding fans.”
The league’s first step is requiring visiting teams “to provide stewards for away matches in order to improve safety for fans and provide support for the home club.” Additionally, the EPL will work with other organizations such as the FA on different ways to curb illegal behavior at matches.
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