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.
Following an extensive investigation by the Football Association, the club has been charged with misconduct for a breach of FA Rule E21 in respect of the match. It was alleged that Scunthorpe United failed to ensure that spectators and/or its supporters (and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion whilst attending the match.
During the game, it was alleged that Iron supporters behaved in a way which is improper, violent, threatening and/or provocative contrary to FA Rules E21.1; and/or encroach on to the pitch or commit any form of pitch incursion, contrary to FA Rules E21.3.
The club admitted the charge and provided a detailed statement in mitigation. Having considered the club’s extensive submission, the FA have imposed a fine of £2,000 and warned the club over its future conduct.
While these investigations have been ongoing, a Scunthorpe United fan who invaded the pitch and assaulted a player has been issued with a three-year football banning order.
Co-owner and chair Michelle Harness said: “This charge has been the culmination of 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 in addition to the charge we have now received.
“To have a charge against the club, which is as a result of one of our supporter’s actions is extremely disappointing, and we sincerely hope that the individuals involved are embarrassed with themselves for causing this for the club they supposedly support. So much effort has gone in from everybody to help get Scunthorpe United back on track, and back towards a sustainable model, and we’re really disappointed to have had to deal with this set-back.
“We hope that the outcome of a banning order for the individual involved sends a clear message to people attending matches to cause disruption that this behaviour will not be tolerated. This was the individual’s first offence, yet he is still having to face the consequences.
“As always, we will continue to work with the governing bodies to do all we can to improve what we do to prevent these incidents. 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. 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 18 months, coupled with the result of this charge, continue to make this a real possibility.