Football League condemns Crawley League Cup pitch invasion
Fans stormed the field following the Red Devils' shock win over Fulham
Football League bosses have condemned Crawley Town fans who staged a pitch invasion following the side's EFL Cup victory over Fulham on Tuesday (August 22nd).
Goals from Tom Nichols and James Balazigi helped the League Two Red Devils to a famous victory over the Premier League side at the Broadfield Stadium.
Supporters rushed the field following the final whistle, something seemingly encouraged by one of the club's owners, Preston Johnson.
In a statement, the EFL said there can be 'no justification' to enter the pitch of without authority, regardless of the scale of the victory - adding that 'the pitch is for participants and the stands for spectators'.
Clubs, their employees, the Football Supporters’ Association, and the game’s wider stakeholders, have made a collective commitment to ensure that the safety of all those involved in the game is not compromised by anti-social and criminal behaviour.
An EFL spokesperson said:
"Everyone associated with staging and attending football matches has a responsibility to meet that commitment and should also be fully aware that it is against the law to enter the pitch at any time without permission and doing so could result in a Club ban and criminal record for the perpetrators.
"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.
"It is also ill advised to encourage and glorify such actions through social media, other digital platforms, and the broader media. This type of inappropriate behaviour is not welcomed and wherever appropriate, the authorities will take the necessary action to ensure this does not happen in the future."
The EFL said is has been in contact with the Club to discuss the various circumstances surrounding the incursion, including identifying the individuals involved.
The FA have also confirmed they will be investigating.