16 May 2023 , 15:43
1028
0
Manchester City released a statement at the start of the season highlighting how fans who invade the pitch will face action.
The Premier League leaders are closing in on a third successive title having chased down Arsenal and could wrap up another piece of silverware by the end of the week when they host Chelsea. The clash is their final home game of the campaign with away trips at Brighton and Brentford to come.
City's fans have previously invaded the pitch to celebrate title triumphs at the Etihad and this Sunday could again see their stadium be the venue of another celebration. The FA, Premier League and EFL came together back in the summer to announce they would be handing out sanctions to those who behave in an unsafe manner, which could come to light this weekend.
A statement from the club back in July read: "The new set of actions, which will be implemented across all English football leagues from the start of the 2022/23 season and backed by the Football Supporters’ Association, will target activity such as entering the pitch without permission, carrying, or using smoke bombs or pyrotechnics and throwing objects – as well as drug use and discriminatory behaviour.
"These acts are dangerous, illegal and have severe consequences. They have no place in football, or anywhere. From the start of Season 2022/23, all identified offenders will be reported by clubs to the police and prosecution could result in a permanent criminal record, which may affect their employment and education, and could result in a prison sentence."
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
City also maintained that those who enter the pitch would face an automatic club ban, which could be extended to accompanying parents.
Man City's Etihad Stadium has been the scene of several pitch invasions (Getty Images)Last season Pep Guardiola's side secured victory on the final day with a dramatic comeback win over Aston Villa. But during the aftermath, which saw fans invade the pitch to celebrate, Villa's goalkeeper Robin Olsen was assaulted which saw the club charged by the FA.
City said: "The club would like to sincerely apologise to Robin Olsen, who was assaulted after the final whistle when fans entered the pitch. The club has launched an immediate investigation and once identified, the individual will be issued an indefinite stadium ban."
Pep Guardiola added: "I'm so sorry on behalf of the club. It is difficult to think why people react in that way. Hopefully, we can discover the person and he can be punished."