Club statement: FA charge relating to Chester home clash on March 2nd, 2024

Scunthorpe United regrets to inform supporters that the club has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association in relation to failing to control spectators in the encounter against Chester on March 2nd, 2024 at the Attis Arena.

Incidents occurred during the fixture, including pitch incursions and assault which may now have a severe detrimental effect to the football club, with the penalties sanctioned against the club which could include financial penalties, capacity restrictions and/or points deductions.

Following the number of incidents the club has received over the course of the 2023-24 season, these penalties now become a real potential, and will damage the club profoundly, including loss of income, which could then have a detrimental knock-on effect to the playing budget, and ultimately the club’s bid for sustainability.

Ensuring the safety of our supporters, players and staff is always of paramount importance to Scunthorpe United Football Club. Supporters who have been identified to have committed disorderly acts have been subject to the possibility of criminal prosecution and football banning orders.

Scunthorpe United will continue to work closely with the police and football authorities to stamp out this, and other types, of spectator misconduct.

Co-owner and chair Michelle Harness said: “The consequences the club face as a result of this charge are profound, and we are awaiting the findings of the Football Association. 

“We will continue to work with the governing bodies to do all we can to improve what we do to prevent these incidents. Moving into the new season, on behalf of the Board and the football club as a whole, I must urge each and every spectator visiting us here at the Attis Arena to please refrain from entering the field of play, the use of pyrotechnics, and any other misconduct which could see us penalised. 

“All of these incidents are reported each and every time they occur, and really do have an impact. Each time we are reported for an incident, it takes hours and hours of resources to provide our observations, evidence and defence to prevent or mitigate such charges to be imposed on the club, which ultimately also costs us money. So much effort has gone in from everybody to help get Scunthorpe United back on track, and back towards a sustainable model, and a continuation of these misconduct will only force us to take some unneeded steps backwards when all involved have done so much to bring us forward.

“We are talking about the very, very small minority of spectators who are engaging in this anti-social behaviour, but these people in the minority are now causing a major problem.”

Once again, we would like to remind supporters that if there are incidents of this nature reported, then the Football Association have the power to impose serious financial penalties on the club which will almost certainly impact on its playing resources. The frequency in which these incidents have taken place over the last year now make this a real possibility.