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Fans Urged to Stay Off the Pitch
Thursday, 27th Apr 2023 17:06

Town and the EFL are urging fans to stay off the pitch at the end of Saturday’s final home League One game of the season against Exeter City.

The Blues could confirm promotion to the Championship after four years away by beating the Grecians in front of a sell-out home crowd, but the club and EFL are stressing the importance that any celebrations are kept to the stands. Any supporter who enters the pitch could face a ban or police action.

“Everyone surrounding the club knows how much it would mean to supporters should the team get promoted,” Neil McCluskey, Town’s matchday safety officer, told the club site.

“It is of paramount importance that everyone inside Portman Road can enjoy any potential celebrations safely, which will only be possible if supporters remain in the stands.

“Recently, Burnley and Sheffield United have gained promotion to the Premier League, with no pitch invasions or encroachments allowing their respective supporters to share in that moment with their players and coaching staff.

“Similarly, I hope our potentially significant day will not be marred by safety issues or negative stories.

“This will allow our players to take part in the planned lap of appreciation, and also ensure any potential celebrations can take place uninterrupted.”


Photo: Matchday Images



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Bluearmy_81 added 20:24 - Apr 27
In the words of Wrexham players on their promotion and for Wooly “fcuk the tories!” They're doing almost as good a job at killing this country as Evans did killing this club, but still some will cheer them on all the way!
1

BlueBlueBlood added 20:36 - Apr 27
I won't be going on the pitch. Times change, things move on. It's a different world.

The players deserve their moment, not having to run in and then come back out, god knows they've earned it these last two months, let's give them that, they'll come and celebrate with us, we can celebrate with them from the stands.

2

dyersdream added 20:46 - Apr 27
If supporters do go on pitch the pubs will be empty 😃
0

ITFCRich added 20:50 - Apr 27
I can see both sides as to why it should/shouldn't be allowed. At the end of the day, it is a danger to have a pitch invasion, purely because of a few idiots thinking they're hard going and harassing the opposition, as well as the selfish side fans thinking it's ok to completely surround the players, taking the experience away from them as well. I know that I would absolutely LOVE to get onto the pitch, but I also know for a fact that I would behave like an adult and enjoy the moment, which can't be said for everyone.

For those saying it's the younger fans that cause the trouble, that's just ridiculous. They're more likely to be the selfish fans as mentioned earlier who just want to get a picture or post something on their social media. The actual dangerous fans attacking the opposition tend to be drunk middle-aged men taking cheapshots..

It's worth noting that I'm a younger fan, started watching us when we finished 9th under Magilton. Since being a fan I will ALWAYS support the team, and clap them off at the end (something that very few fans did in much of my time as a supporter). If we get promoted, it will be by far the best moment I have seen of this club, and going onto the pitch would make it even more special. Unfortunately, as many have said, the actions of a very few make it a safety issue.
0

Nesspointrunner added 20:54 - Apr 27
Two things. I have been a health and safety inspector for decades. The dangers from such a pitch invasion of injuries are negligible. On the same level as idiots who cancel street parties in case some one trips on a curb. If it does happen on Saturday it will be as a celebration and therefore peaceful. And low H&S risk.

The other thing is that the powers that be dont want it to happen and so they will try to stop it not because of the risk but for their own gratification. So that they make rules that prevent a wholly celebratory thing. They make grand warnings. They will be telling us to be careful not to trip on the curbs next.
2

IpswichT62OldBoy added 21:20 - Apr 27
Its pretty simple, the Club are saying "do not invade the pitch."

If we must invade anywhere might I suggest Norfolk, it's ripe for the taking.
6

Bluearmy_81 added 21:21 - Apr 27
True nesspoint. Too many panicky petes on here, I'm afraid. Probably the same sort of people that said things like “could be worse could be bury” and “thank God we've got Evans”, scared of any little thing which might happen.
-3

d77sgw added 21:54 - Apr 27
Some of my happiest childhood memories were running onto the pitch at the end of the season. Wish people would lighten up a little. It's a celebration.
6

bobble added 22:35 - Apr 27
getting back into the 2nd division is good ,but its not really earth shattering, when we get back into the 1st then celebrate hard......
1

blues1 added 22:41 - Apr 27
Newsprint. Think you missed the point altogether. Its not about the risk of injuries, tho that is a risk, however small u may think it is. Its about the fact that 1. Its illegal to enter the field of play. 2. The risk of a,fan attacking an opposition player. Which could see us get a points,deduction . 3 .Spoiling the moment of celebration for the majority of fans who will not go on the pitch.
1

BobbyBell added 22:51 - Apr 27
The bottom line is respect your club and adhere to their requests. Do not get the club fined and do not get yourself banned. Celebrate of course but show respect to the club, the players and your fellow fans. This is not about you and what you want is about everyone connected with the club. Our football club is now something to be truly proud of and so are our fans so please don't spoil it.
2

PhilR added 23:36 - Apr 27
I know everyone would be excited, and want to celebrate - but it is the players and manager that have got us here. They have just delivered the most incredible run of results to achieve this, practically the best in the club's history. Do them the courtesy of allowing them to celebrate on the pitch and do a lap of honour, which everyone gets to enjoy. If you all head on the pitch, they will head off
2

Roggydem added 06:38 - Apr 28
Some utterly miserable people on here, as per usual.
4

GCB added 07:00 - Apr 28
@Nomore4, I went on the pitch in 1992, but that was 31 years ago and it I was a child.

Surely this doesn't even need to be discussed, no means no.
2

Nomore4 added 07:40 - Apr 28
As per Blues1 makes it up as he goes along….The football offences act 1991. Says you chat rubbish blues1.
0

Kickingblock added 07:48 - Apr 28
I'll behave myself as requested, but I wouldn't have minded a little stroll on the pitch, and why not?
They'll be digging it up at the first opportunity.
1

Nomore4 added 08:13 - Apr 28
Suffolkpunch same case law applies to National league.
0

Nomore4 added 08:18 - Apr 28
How many supporters of the 2or3 thousand who celebrated on the pitch in 1992 was banned or fined or told off? Same rules and laws in 2023 as in 1992.
0

ImAbeliever added 09:01 - Apr 28
Getting your leg over those electronic adverting screens does look a bit dodgy, or am a I being a wuss? ⚡️⚡️
0

Michael101 added 09:06 - Apr 28
Easy way round this ,just say you are from stinky rebellion plod treat's them with kid clove they might even give you acup of tea
0

BlueMoolay added 09:17 - Apr 28
STAY OFF THE EFFING PITCH.
3

shortmarine1969 added 09:48 - Apr 28
Statement from EPL / EFL - Of which Wrexam are not part of before so,mebody chucks them into the equation:

“From the start of Season 2022-23, all identified offenders will be reported by clubs to the police and prosecution could result in a permanent criminal record, which may affect their employment and education, and could result in a prison sentence.
“The FA will also be enforcing a tougher charging and sanctioning policy for clubs, which will reinforce these measures.
“Furthermore, anyone who enters the pitch and those identified carrying or using pyrotechnics or smoke bombs will now receive an automatic club ban."
Pitch invasions have been a criminal offence since 1991 but it usually goes unpunished during moments of celebration. However, things got out of control at the end of last season during promotion and relegation battles.
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Viera kicked out at an Everton fan who'd been goading him when a pitch invasion took place as Everton stayed up in the
Sheffield United's Billy Sharp was assaulted by a Nottingham Forest fan during celebrations in the second leg of their Championship play-off tie.
Those were just two incidents amid safety concerns at grounds last season.
"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," FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said.
"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.

Take it as you will..!!
3

SamWhiteUK added 09:48 - Apr 28
I don't know about you guys, but I've never involuntarily climbed over a barrier and barged through security in the "emotion" and the "heat of the moment"
1

Saxonblue74 added 10:43 - Apr 28
BA81's utter obsession with Evans is yet to wane I see! Still has the ability to cram a reference into every topic.
0

Taricco_Fan added 10:55 - Apr 28
Some proper miseries on here. Fans will be on the pitch and there's little that can be done to stop it. This is a club that's had nothing to shout about for two decades. You think people are going to stay in their seats and politely clap?
-6


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