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

virginblue added 16:30 - Apr 28 Lol. You said we were envious and jealous amongst other things, and someone else referred to us as bed wetters. You still don't get it though. I'm not against anyone enjoying the atmosphere but I take exception to the potential action of a few ruining it for everyone. The club have said they want a lap of honour and player of the year presentations. If a couple of thousand invade the e pitch then that's highly unlikely. And that ruins it for the majority. And I am anti pitch invasion. cloughie had it right IMO. I was at the League Cup semi at Birmingham in 2001. Their fans invaded the pitch and proceeded to throw coins at us. I know that's not a likely scenario tomorrow, but just want all fans to be able to enjoy the celebrations if we win. Sorry I called you a prick. Wasn't necessary.

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Bluearmy_81 added 16:32 - Apr 28 Yeah that's right telling you ignorant Evans suckin numpties for about six or seven years how Evans was killing the club and good support wasn't blindly swallowing 5 point plans and clapping and staying happy!! Many of the people so bothered about whether there is a pitch invasion or not would've been the ones equally cautious and scared of anything happening saying things like “thank God we've got Evans” and “could be worse could be Bury…” you're the fu.coin bel.lends

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Bluearmy_81 added 16:36 - Apr 28 Apology accepted, respect for it. I was at that Birmingham game too. You're right. There is absolutely zero chance of anything like that happening, Birmingham fans have a history of trouble. Whereas Ipswich fans are far classier than that. We'll have to agree to disagree and try not to let whatever happens on the day whether there's a pitch invasion or not effect your enjoyment, it really shouldn't. Even if there is an invasion, I still think there'll be a lap of honour, it will just be delayed. What will be will be

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dirtydingusmagee added 16:50 - Apr 28 its not a case of being scared to go on pitch , those that do go on arent brave they are just stupid and disrespectful to the club ,who have requested that people dont. Somebody posted if thousands go on they cant do anything ! so mob rule is the way to go is it ? idiots. The club have done their bit for the fans ,now respect their request and stay on terraces .

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Northstandveteran added 18:18 - Apr 28 That was a nice read....
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IpswichT62OldBoy added 18:22 - Apr 28 We had better bloody win after all of this.
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Runner added 19:35 - Apr 28 We are all heroes of our own stories. Everyone has a justification for their actions in their minds for why they're done or said something, even if Everyone else is telling them that they are wrong.
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blueboy1981 added 21:51 - Apr 28 Identified on here unfortunately, that we have a share of non respecting Yobs like most Clubs. Lets just hope they grow up by Saturday and not spoil it for the Club, or the rest of the Supporters. That is of course, IF we WIN ….. which we have to do FIRST …. !!!
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Nesspointrunner added 10:06 - Apr 29 In '62 Dad said when the final whistle went nobody moved. The Chairman Mr John had arranged for a telephone to be put in the directors box. He had a contact at the Burnley game. He put the phone down, got to his feet and put his thumb up. The ground erupted and they all ran on the pitch. In '68 I ran on the pitch to celebrate winning Div 2, though I needed the help of my uncle to get over the wall. What is now the Cobbold stand had sunken terracing then. In '92 My daughter's first game and she thought it was normal for a silver cup to be awarded at the start of the game and everybody running on the pitch at the end. In 2001 at the end of the Bolton game we all ran onto the pitch. What is the problem with these people who want to stop it? It is almost a once in a generation thing. Lighten up.

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Bluearmy_81 added 11:47 - Apr 29 Ness, exactly lighten up, FFS. Why does it bother anyone if other fans have gone on the pitch just because it's something they choose not to do? If there is a pitch invasion and fans in the stands are booing fans on the pitch, I think there would be a high proportion of those fans booing that are complete jobsworths.
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