EFL slams ‘reckless’ fans after Luton stars abused during Huddersfield pitch invasion

The EFL has condemned the actions of law-breaking supporters after players from Luton and Sheffield United suffered pitch-invasion abuse attacks after defeat in their Championship play-off semi finals. 

Hatters players and staff were pushed, slapped and abused by some pitch-invading Huddersfield supporters on Monday night after Jordan Rhodes’ late winner had ended Town’s dream of promotion. 

Manager Nathan Jones blasted the Terriers perpetrator as an “absolute disgrace” in a furious rant about the behaviour inflicted on him, his players, staff and the travelling Town fans. 

But, last night, after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat, television images captured Blades forward Billy Sharp getting knocked to the ground by a supporter, with reports that a man has since been arrested in response to an incident at The City Ground. 

Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom told the BBC: “We’ve seen one of our players attacked. He’s shook up, bleeding, angry. Bill was minding his own business off the pitch, trying to get our players away. He was blindsided, it was cowardly. He was knocked to the ground [and required] stitches, he was shook up.”

And the EFL has now released a statement condemning the actions of supporters and reminding fans of the punishments that can be meted out of anyone that enters the field of play. 

It said: ‘Unfortunately, at recent end-of season and play-off semi-final fixtures we have witnessed a number of unsavoury and unacceptable incidents take place with supporters entering the field of play.

‘These are currently under investigation by the relevant authorities and the EFL condemns in the strongest possible terms the reckless actions of individuals who have brought the game into disrepute with this unacceptable behaviour. 

‘The League is working closely with the Police and Clubs, offering its full support to the ongoing investigations. 

‘Supporters are reminded that it is against the law to enter the pitch at any time and could result in a Club ban and criminal record. 

‘More importantly it puts the safety of players, coaches, managers and match officials at risk. It is vital that those playing the game can do so safe in the knowledge that they will not be subjected to violent, threatening or anti-social behaviour going forward.

‘Many people have already lost the privilege of watching their team via club bans this season and further punitive action will follow for those who continue to disregard ground regulations and break the law at football matches.  

‘We recognise that this lawlessness is being conducted by a small minority of individuals and that the majority of people attending matches are a credit to their club. However, it is not acceptable for supporters to enter the field of play at any time given the EFL’s objective is to ensure our matches remain a safe and welcoming one for all. 

‘Therefore, over the summer we will consider what further measures are now at our disposal, including the potential use of capacity reductions or other similar mitigations.’

The EFL also warned that the use of pyrotechnic devices inside a football stadium is also a criminal offence that will potentially lead to police action, prosecution, and a ban from football.