Premier League Statement: Fan Behaviour

At the Premier League’s Annual General Meeting, clubs discussed the issue of fan behaviour and agreed to introduce enhanced measures ahead of the start of next season, underlining the importance of a safe matchday environment.

The new set of actions will tackle a range of challenges - including missiles, pyrotechnics and pitch invasions.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “It is vital that everyone feels safe at a football match.

“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. In addition, we have seen an increase in the use of pyrotechnics and missiles, both of which are not only a criminal offence, but can cause serious injury.

“These type 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 match day experience for the vast majority of law-abiding fans. Crowd behaviour is an issue we and our clubs are addressing as a matter of urgency, in collaboration with partners and relevant authorities.”

As a first step, clubs unanimously agreed the requirement for visiting clubs to provide stewards for away matches in order to improve safety for fans and provide support for the home club.

The Premier League will continue to work with The FA, EFL, PFA, LMA and FSA, as well as other authorities, to address the issue.