Former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Maik Taylor has warned of “serious” repercussions if post-match pitch invasions are allowed to continue in the English game.
He also suggested relevant stewarding or security should be in place to allow opposition players at least five minutes to vacate the pitch at the end of high-stake games.
Taylor's warning came a couple of hours after Everton fans stormed onto the playing surface following Thursday night’s 3-2 win over Crystal Palace, a result that secured the club’s Premier League safety.
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Footage later appeared to show Palace manager Patrick Vieira aiming a kick in the direction of an Everton fan after being goaded on his way across the pitch towards the away dressing room.
The incident was the latest in a series of recent pitch invasions which also saw Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp head-butted after Tuesday’s Championship play-off at Nottingham Forest.
On his Twitter account, former Northern Ireland No1 Taylor, who starred in famous wins over England and Spain in 2005 and 2006, tweeted: “It’s got to stop now!!
“Allow five minutes for the opposition players to get off the pitch. Something very serious is going to happen!!”
Earlier in the week, Taylor had branded the Sharp incident “disgraceful and disturbing”.
Former Manchester United striker Dion Dublin said of the Everton pitch invasion: “We have to stop letting fans get on the pitch, it’s too dangerous.
“We don’t want to see it at all. We know how overjoyed the Everton fans are but you can’t be doing that - pushing managers, pushing players, shouting at players in their face.”
Everton supporters invaded the Goodison Park pitch after coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and secure survival in the top flight.
Asked about the on-pitch incident after the game, Palace boss Vieira said: "I do not having anything to say about that."
Fans also invaded the pitch during Wednesday's League Two play-off semi-final second leg between Northampton and Mansfield.
Mansfield’s Jordan Bowery was shoved by a supporter whilst a flare also appeared to be thrown towards players during the game.
Mansfield boss Nigel Clough said the number of incidents was "getting concerning for everyone" and urged the football authorities to act.
He added: "The pitch is for the 22 players and the referee and assistants when they need to come on. No-one else should be on it."
Taylor, who won 88 caps for Northern Ireland and played for Barnet, Birmingham City, Fulham and Millwall, is currently goalkeeping coach at League Two Walsall.
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