Latest: Portsmouth fear potential £50,000 fine as pitch invasion repercussions become clearer

 

The Blues have been charged with FA misconduct during their League One title-winning match against Barnsley. The club might face a fine of over £50,000.

That is one of the potential financial implications of the impassioned League One title celebrations versus Barnsley at Fratton Park in April. As previously reported, the Blues have until Friday, June 7, to respond. Although a large-scale pitch invasion occurred after the final whistle following promotion to the Championship, the FA’s accusation is considered to involve a variety of occurrences rather than a singular violation.

Several Blues fans quickly entered the pitch following Conor Shaughnessy’s headed winner, and, during the pitch invasion, a Pompey fan seemed to collide with a Barnsley

Pompey are currently assessing their response to the charge, but are aware of the severity of fines previously imposed on other clubs following recent pitch invasions.

Sheffield Wednesday was fined £50,000 by an independent Regulatory Commission in October 2023 for ‘crowd control misconduct’ during the second leg of their League One play-off semi-final against Peterborough in May.

The panel heard that fireworks and other items were thrown onto the pitch, and supporters entered the field of play at several occasions during the game. In addition, following a huge pitch invasion at the end of the game, a cheering fan knocked over an assistant referee.

In May 2023, Luton were fined £35,000 for violating FA Rule E21 regarding crowd control during their play-off semi-final second leg win against Sunderland.

Other notable incidents of pitch invasions include Nottingham Forest (£50,000), Port Vale (£15,000), and Carlisle (£5000).

The club has repeatedly warned about the risk of financial penalties if a pitch invasion occurred in the build-up to Pompey’s Barnsley game, as well as the subsequent Fratton Park encounter against Wigan.

These included communication through Pompey’s matchday programme, the club website, and The News.

Manager John Mousinho and captain Marlon Pack also issued pleas to fans not to enter the pitch before of Wigan, with a trophy presentation set, which were followed and the day went by without incident.

Cullen told The News today: “We acknowledge receipt of the charge; it is clearly a serious matter and a serious charge.”

‘As a football club, we are examining our future steps and determining how we will respond to the charge.