The Premier League has announced that play will resume in Matchweek 8 after games were postponed in Matchweek 7 as a show of respect following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Additionally, due to a lack of security personnel, Thursday’s Europa League match between Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven at North London’s Emirates Stadium had to be postponed.
The Premier League has taken action to crack down on the “anti-social” behavior of fans by issuing immediate stadium bans to those found in violation.
Mass pitch invasions became routine near the close of the 2021/22 English season when smoke bombs and pyrotechnics were detonated inside of stadiums with worrying regularity.
The Premier League, FA, and EFL joined forces before this season to provide tougher penalties to reverse the trend, but isolated incidences have continued. That has led the Premier League to take further measures to ensure the security of players and spectators.
Statement from the Premier League Clubs unanimously decided to implement minimum-length bans for fans who engage in anti-social and criminal activity at League venues during the Premier League Shareholders’ Meeting.
Fans will start receiving a club ban with a minimum period of one year if they are found with fireworks or smoke bombs, or if they enter the field without permission. These prohibitions could be extended to include accompanying parents or legal guardians of children who engage in these activities. The ban is effective right away and it covers both home and away games.
During their Championship play-off semifinal match against Nottingham Forest last year, Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp was attacked by a pitch invader while he was standing on the sidelines.
Another incident involved the manager of Crystal Palace, who was heckled by an Everton supporter on the Goodison Park field after the Toffees successfully defended their Premier League status.
