The Professional Footballers’ Association has sought legal advice over whether players attacked by supporters can use reasonable force to defend themselves, the Guardian can reveal.
It comes amid heightened concerns of further incidents during the English Football League playoff second legs and the final fortnight of the Premier League season, after the Newcastle manager, Eddie Howe, was confronted on Saturday by a Leeds supporter.
It is understood there is growing concern among some PFA members over an apparent lack of legal protections for players – and also what would constitute “reasonable force” if a player feels under threat during a crowd invasion.
The PFA has promised in an email to its members, seen by the Guardian, to back its players if there is any incident.
“As your trade union, we are here to support you and we have taken legal guidance on your rights in the event of mass pitch invasions such as those that occurred last year,” the email states. “Harassment, assaults and attacks by spectators are never justified and they are never the ‘fault’ of the player.”
It is understood particular concerns were raised by PFA members after the court case involving Oli McBurnie following the Nottingham Forest v Sheffield United game at the end of last season, where Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp was assaulted. McBurnie was cleared of stamping on a pitch-invading fan.
Several other players and staff were attacked or harassed by spectators during large-scale pitch invasions at last year’s playoffs and when Everton avoided relegation from the Premier League, leading players to express a lack of confidence in the effectiveness of stewarding and the management of pitch invasions.
Last July the Premier League, EFL and Football Association announced that pitch invaders would be banned from stadiums and reported to police. Much to the PFA’s apparent frustration, incidents have continued this season, including when Bradford’s Andy Cook was confronted by a Stevenage supporter after he scored in February. In January the Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was kicked at Tottenham by a fan who had made his way on to the perimeter barrier.
The playoff second legs begin on Tuesday. The PFA has reminded players of their rights to be informed of security plans and to take action if they believe the environment is unsafe.
“We have been very clear with the authorities that too many of these incidents are still happening, with players left to look after themselves and stewards and security often too slow to respond,” its email says.
