ALBION have issued a warning amid a “worrying trend” in pitch invasions.
The club has announced they will take a “zero tolerance” approach to pitch invaders following a number of arrests at matches against Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
In a statement released following Albion’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea at the Amex Stadium on Tuesday night, a Brighton and Hove Albion spokesman said: “Having seen a worrying trend of pitch invaders at recent games, we take this opportunity to remind all fans that we have a zero-tolerance approach to any supporters attempting to come onto the pitch at home and away matches.
“The club takes the safety of supporters, players and staff extremely seriously, and those who come onto the pitch for any reason will be subject to indefinite club bans.
“They are also reminded it is a criminal offence, and therefore will also face potential police and court action.
“Having seen several incursions, during and at the end of the matches against Crystal Palace on Friday and Chelsea on Tuesday, we can confirm each of the perpetrators has now been identified, arrested and each is now subject to further police action.”
In a statement released before the match, Albion chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber said all those who invaded the pitch during the Crystal Palace match were arrested and face criminal proceedings.
“As has become depressingly predictable for matches against Crystal Palace, a small number of fans (from both clubs) did their best to spoil what was another thoroughly entertaining match in front of a near-full stadium and live TV cameras,” he said.
“We will support the police in their efforts to secure convictions and football banning orders with very clear CCTV footage of the individuals concerned.
“Sadly, a number of other people were arrested inside and outside the stadium for a range of different offences.”
A 16-year-old boy was arrested for carrying a knife before the Crystal Palace match, while two more men were arrested on suspicion of assault outside the Amex.
A total of three men were detained for running on to the pitch at the match.
Earlier this week, Wycombe Wanderers banned an 18-year-old fan for life after he invaded the pitch at Adams Park during Saturday's match with Oxford United.
Meanwhile, Leeds United recently announced they will issue one-year bans to parents who allow their children to run on the pitch during matches.
Last month, Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham were all handed fines by UEFA's disciplinary panel following crowd disturbances during European games.
Manchester City fined £4,270 after a pitch invasion during the Champions League tie against Paris St Germain at the Etihad Stadium on November 24 last year, while Liverpool were given the same fine following a similar incident during a match Porto at Anfield.
Tottenham were fined £4,270 following a pitch invasion during their home 3-2 Europa Conference League win over Vitesse on November 4, and a further £2,350 fine for the throwing of objects from the stands.
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