Life bans for pitch invaders
LEE BOWYER has vowed to do things “my way” after taking over as Charlton caretaker manager following the departure of Karl Robinson, who has joined League One rivals Oxford.
Bowyer, right, said: “Football is a game of opinions and if I’m going to be in charge, which I am, then I’m going to do it my way. I’m positive and I’m looking forward to that.” WEST HAM have issued lifetime bans to five supporters who invaded the pitch during the Premier League match against Burnley on March 10.
The club said they had taken “swift and decisive action” against individuals who were found to have committed “acts of severe violence and physical aggression”.
The match was marred by a series of pitch invasions and widespread supporter unrest, with club director Trevor Brooking confirming that co-owner David Sullivan was struck by a coin towards the end of the game.
The club added in a statement: “A number of individuals have also been banned for life for violently throwing coins or objects with intent to harm.”
The club said that additional incidents were still being investigated in conjunction with stadium operators LS185 and the police. They expect to issue further bans before the club’s next home match against Southampton on March 31. STOKE have fined Erik Pieters two weeks’ wages for breaking a curfew before the 2-1 loss to Everton. The Dutch left-back was pictured with his wife at a nightclub in Hale on Friday evening less than 24 hours before the match at the bet365 Stadium. Pieters, left, was not in Paul Lambert’s squad and has now been internally disciplined by the club.
THE EFL have backed Derby’s decision to postpone their game with Cardiff, which City boss Neil Warnock had called a “disgrace”. No action will be taken.