The Football League Paper says...

It’s time to crack down on the louts

THE passion of football supporters in this country is one of the game’s great strengths and creates a vibrant atmosphere at matches up and down the land.

It’s part of the reason why our games are so highly valued by television companies around the world. In addition, fans turn out in huge numbers to attend matches and get behind their side.

They are willing to travel big distances and spend their time and hard-earned money following their team.

However, there have been a number of worrying incidents in the last couple of weeks that have crossed the line. Most notable, of course, was the cowardly Birmingham fan who attacked Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish in last Sunday’s Second City derby.

Paul Mitchell was jailed for 14 weeks for his act of thuggery and has been banned for life by the Blues.

Another fan has been charged with assaulting Manchester United defender Chris Smalling in the second half of their Premier League defeat by Arsenal on the same afternoon.

There is no excuse for supporters going onto the field of play and attacking opposition players. It is simply unacceptable and it is right that the authorities are coming down hard on it.

It is also positive to hear that the FA, Premier League and EFL have said that pitch invaders will face the ‘strongest possible sanctions’.

In a joint statement, the game’s three governing bodies said: “English football has worked hard over many years to ensure that our grounds are safe places. It’s essential all players feel safe and supported every time they go on the pitch.

“There is absolutely no place for any type of behaviour that puts this at risk.”

It is always a shame when a minority ruin things for the majority. Let’s hope that swift action will quickly nip this problem in the bud and we can get back to talking about the football on the pitch.