Cheltenham Town Football Club have been reported to the FA following the last two midweek home matches for supporters going onto the pitch
While we all enjoyed the drama of those winning goals against Cambridge United and Bolton Wanderers and the overwhelming majority of the celebrations were confined to the stands and the public walkway along the side of the pitch, the club could face serious problems if supporters are found to have entered the playing area.
We must remind everyone that the pitch is out of bounds at all times and that entering the pitch is a criminal offence under the Football Spectators Act.
The football authorities have a wide range of possible sanctions available to them and repeat offences could result in heavy fines or even ground capacity restrictions that could mean having to close the singing section. Clearly that is the last thing we would like to do but we must urge all supporters to please work with us and stick to the law and ground regulations.
The pathway on the Colin Farmer side of the pitch does not have a barrier in front because of the close proximity to the pitch – it has never been possible to incorporate a barrier that would allow for the required distance between the barrier and the touchline and between the barrier and the front row of seating.
This configuration has been licensed for 20 years with no issues but it does mean that supporters must be careful not to stray onto the playing area or too close to it.
Unfortunately, given the problems with pitch incursions at high profile matches last season, the FA and Football League are very keen to clamp down on any such incidents and match referees are under instruction to report any pitch incursions, even those involving only one or two people.
Your co-operation in this matter is greatly appreciated and by working together, hopefully we can all avoid any problems in future.