With fans back in the stands, we look at all the Premier League, EFL and non-league crowds, including the biggest of the weekend.
It’s been a busy few days of football, with fans across the country going through the turnstiles to watch their teams in action.
This weekend saw the most anticipated fixtures, local derbies and coaching debuts, and with that in mind, you can see all the results too.
PREMIER LEAGUE
CHAMPIONSHIP
LEAGUE ONE
LEAGUE TWO
BUNDESLIGA
NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH + SOUTH
LEVEL 7 + 8
FA STATEMENT:
The FA, Premier League and EFL are jointly introducing new measures and tougher sanctions across the game to tackle the increasing anti-social and criminal behavior seen at football grounds in recent times and to underline the importance of a safe playing environment.
The new measures, which will be implemented across all English football leagues and supported by the Football Supporters’ Association, target activities such as unauthorized entry onto the pitch, carrying or using smoke bombs or pyrotechnics and throwing objects – as well as drug use and discriminatory behaviour.
These actions are dangerous, illegal and have serious consequences. They have no place in football or anywhere else.
All identified offenders will be reported by the clubs to the police and prosecution could result in a permanent criminal record, which could affect their employment and education and could result in a prison sentence. The FA will also enforce stricter fee and sanction policies for clubs, which will reinforce these measures.
In addition, an automatic club ban will now be imposed on anyone entering the pitch and those found carrying or using pyrotechnics or smoke bombs. These prohibitions could also be extended to accompanying parents or guardians of children participating in these activities.
The safety of everyone present on a match day is the top priority for the game. We know that the behavior of some fans last season does not represent the majority of fans and could ruin the fantastic experience of a football match for everyone. That’s why we’re working with clubs to highlight the important role that fans, clubs, players and coaches all have to play in creating a safe environment.
Our strong and collective approach reflects how seriously we all take this issue and how serious the risks are. No one should be intimidated or attacked at work. The pitch must remain safe for players, managers and match officials, just as the stands should remain safe for fans.
To further support this action, the FA, Premier League and EFL are working with police forces, the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) and the Crown Prosecution Service to establish a new policy for cases relating to pyrotechnics and smoke bombs and entering the pitch without permission. This means that law enforcement cooperation will become the standard response of the football authorities and the criminal justice system in these cases, sending a clear and unambiguous message to anyone who breaks the law.
Other measures that need to be implemented include working with clubs to improve search systems and increasing the use of sniffer dogs on the site. We will also work with our clubs, players and managers, the government, broadcasters, the police and social media platforms to prevent the further spread or acceptance of these behaviors in English football. This includes working with social media platforms to create new ways to more quickly remove fan-made videos of illegal behavior at football matches, including violent crime and pitch invasions. This includes calling on the government to reform regulations to restrict the supply of pyrotechnics and smoke bombs.
FA boss Mark Bullingham said: “We all know the fantastic and unique role that football can play in bringing communities together. However, the increase in anti-social behavior we saw in stadiums at the end of last season was completely unacceptable and put people’s safety at risk. Together, English football has introduced new measures and tougher sanctions for the start of the coming season to send a clear message that we will not tolerate this type of illegal and dangerous behavior. Football stadiums must be a safe, inclusive and pleasant environment for everyone “It is the responsibility of every player, including governing bodies, clubs, players, coaches and fans, to ensure we all do our part to keep our game and each other safe.”
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “Everyone should feel safe and be able to enjoy a game of football. Together with clubs and partners across football, we are making clear that the type of incidents we saw last season must be stopped. If we do not act collectively and sustainably, it may only be a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or worse. These new measures are a strong response to a significant increase in fan behavior problems, but we know it is the minority who are committing unacceptable and unlawful behavior Premier League football should be a fantastic experience for everyone.” We don’t want games like this to be affected by events like this in the future.”
EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said: “This season, new measures and sanctions are being introduced to remind everyone who attends matches – but particularly the minority of people who engage in abusive behavior – that criminal, dangerous and irresponsible behavior in football has real consequences. It is entirely appropriate that these unacceptable behaviors are now addressed through a combination of police operations and automatic club bans. There is nothing better than watching your team live and that is why English professional football has taken strong collective action to ensure this ensure.” The matchday experience remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, including fans, players, club staff and match officials.”
Kevin Miles, chief executive of the Football Supporters’ Association, said: “We are contacted quite regularly by fans who have been caught jumping onto the pitch or using pyrotechnics in the stands and they invariably regret it. Whether their intentions were positive or not is irrelevant in the eyes of the law – pyrotechnics and pitch break-ins are illegal, you will be prosecuted and banned from your club.”
To support this new package of policies and measures, a football-only campaign is being launched today. “I love football. Protect the Game makes clear the consequences and sanctions for illegal and dangerous behavior and we would like to call on fans to help us protect the game and everyone’s safety.
