Bristol Rovers have been hit with two FA charges after a six-week investigation into incidents towards the end of their 7-0 victory over Scunthorpe United, which secured promotion into League One.
Rovers have been charged with breaches of FA Rule E20.1 and E20.2 after supporters invaded the pitch following Elliot Anderson’s goal in the 85th minute at the Mem, and then again at the final whistle.
In a statement, the governing body said: “It is alleged that in the 85th minute of the fixture, Bristol Rovers FC failed to ensure that its spectators, and all persons purporting to be its supporters or followers, conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from using threatening and/or violent behaviour whilst encroaching onto the pitch area.
“It is further alleged that at the conclusion of the fixture, Bristol Rovers FC failed to ensure that its spectators, and all persons purporting to be its supporters or followers, conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.”
Rovers have until Monday, July 4 to provide a response with a fine likely, should they be found guilty. The FA investigation has been running since Monday, May 8 after referee Charles Breakspear submitted his report into the game on the final day of the 2021/22 season.
The official had taken both sets of players off the pitch in light of the scenes after Anderson’s goal, with Rovers owner Wael Al-Qadi and manager Joey Barton then pleading with supporters to stay in the stands or the fixture would be called off.
Breakspear kept the players off the field for around 15 minutes before the game could be concluded, by which time the fixture involving Rovers’ promotion rivals Northampton Town had finished, and the Gas knew their 7-0 victory would suffice, with the Gas advancing into League One via goals scored.
Celebrations then ensued at the final whistle, with supporters from all corners of the ground pouring onto the field to celebrate with the squad and staff.
Last month, a 16-year-old boy was handed a banning order after admitting assaulting a Scunthorpe player during the invasion after Anderson’s goal. Four Rovers fans have also received banning orders for a pitch invasion that followed the 0-0 draw against Forest Green Rovers in April.
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