The 2023/24 Season - What Lies Ahead?

The FSA outlines the law regarding Football Supporters...

We know that many fans who use pyro have positive intentions, to liven things up and help the atmosphere but UK law doesn’t care, the law says you are committing a criminal offence if you're in possession of any pyro (ignited or not) at any time during the match.

Away from the stands

Also an offence is if you're “entering or trying to enter” a football match with pyro. Fans have been arrested well before the turnstiles. We do think there’s a lack of understanding around pyro and the law and the media in general doesn't help.

@Alamy

Pyro & music festivals

We see their use framed in a positive context at Glastonbury / festivals etc, and even occasionally in club social media / matchday programmes, so it’s understandable that some people might think their use is allowed at football. But it definitely isn’t.

Pitch invasions

Pitch invasions have been a regular occurrence towards the end of season in recent times – although worth saying that most supporters stay in the stands as they want to see the players celebrating, not fellow fans wandering about taking poorly framed selfies.

There was a tradition of celebratory incursions in decades past but many of those took place before it was a criminal offence to enter the pitch.

Except in the case of emergency, we don’t think there’s any reason for supporters to enter the field of play. Here’s 3 reasons why...

1. It’s illegal and punishments can be very severe – many over the years have entered the pitch with nothing but good intentions but it is illegal and the law doesn’t discriminate. Club bans, a criminal record and a Football Banning Order (legally very serious) can follow,

2. It’s not fair on players. We’ve talked to the PFA and they understand 99.99% of fans have nothing but good intentions but are worried about that 1 idiot getting to them. Players, managers, refs have a fundamental right to leave the pitch without being attacked or antagonised,

3. Wider consequences. Stay off the pitch and crowd management will be lighter touch. If that pact breaks down football will be worse for us all as rules will tighten. Capacity reductions, alcohol bans, netting or even worse options (stadium closures, points deductions etc)

What is a Football Banning Order?

All of this leads us to FBOs. Important distinction to be made between clubs bans and FBOs. FBOs are much more serious and can be imposed by a court following conviction for violence, pyro use, pitch invasions, drug possession in stadiums, etc. If you get a Football Banning Order you must surrender your passport when England/Wales or your club play abroad. Most FBOs restrict freedom of movement on matchdays and you can be banned from your team’s city centre. That’s how severely a FBO can impact your life.

Specialist legal advice

Sometimes specialist legal advice will be required, such as when a supporter is arrested, and we refer those cases to solicitors who have a track record going back many years, having represented hundreds of supporters during the time they have worked with the FSA.

Football Law Associates have had a long standing working relationship with the FSA since 2008, assisting countless supporters over the years. Football Law Associates specialises in representing football supporters who require advice and assistance at the police station or court. Representation at the police station is free under the Legal Aid Advice & Assistance Scheme and some supporters will be eligible for free representation at court. They offer free initial phone consultations so fans can get advice on their case, with no obligation. If you would like a confidential and free call with one of their solicitors please call 0333 939 0063 or contact via Football Law Associates.

See the original Article - HERE