Club statement: FA Charge

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 Promotion Final encounter against Chester on May 18th, 2025, 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 the throwing of objects onto the playing surface contrary to FA Rules E21.2; and/or encroach on to the pitch or commit any form of pitch incursion, contrary to FA Rules E21.3.

The club is currently responding to these charges.

AWAY MATCHES

At this stage, we must also remind supporters that we as a club are responsible for your conduct supporting us on the road. Already this season, with one game played away at Tamworth, we have been reported to the Football Association for spectator conduct relating to two of our travelling contingent and their conduct on the day.

Any misconduct involving our supporters, whether it be at the Attis Arena or away from home, which is reported to the Football Association, leaves the club liable to be charged.

Co-owner and chair Michelle Harness said: “Once again, this charge has been, and will continue to be, 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 may now receive.

“To have more charges against the club, which is as a result of our supporter’s actions is extremely disappointing, and tarnishes what a fantastic and memorable day May 18th was, gaining promotion to the National League. So much effort has gone in from everybody to realign our reputation with regards to misconduct, with a season with very few incidents across it. It is really disappointing to have had this setback, and as a club we must deal with any consequences because of this charge.

“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, and also travelling to away games to represent us, 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. As always, 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 continue to cause us 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 club continue to be closely monitored by the Football Association following an accumulation of incidents that are being reported.