Three police officers have been reprimanded after taking part in a pitch invasion at the end of the crucial Championship clash between Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth while off-duty.
The Dorset Police colleagues were caught spilling onto the pitch along with a large crowd of Bournemouth fans after their side sealed a return to the Premier League on May 3, courtesy of a 1-0 victory over closest rivals Forest. The result saw the Cherries clinch the second automatic promotion spot, while Steve Cooper's men had to settle for a place in the play-offs.
Fans could be seen letting off flares and surrounding the players and staff in celebration on the Vitality Stadium turf. One of the officers involved is said to be a superintendent, The Sun newspaper reported.
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The force said the all three were “asked to reflect on their involvement”, with a message sent to other staff reiterating the “high standards of behaviour” expected of them. It is illegal for fans to go onto the playing area, without lawful authority or lawful excuse, contrary to the Football (Offences) Act 1991.
A Dorset Police statement said: “On Tuesday May 3 2022 AFC Bournemouth played Nottingham Forest and secured promotion to the Premier League, which led to a pitch invasion by a large number of AFC Bournemouth fans following the final whistle.
“An internal report was subsequently made to the Force’s Professional Standards Department that stated off-duty Dorset Police officers were involved in the pitch invasion.
“Three police officers were identified and were asked to reflect on their involvement.
“Following the game, a message was issued internally reminding all officers and staff of the high standards of behaviour expected of them both in and out of work and reiterating that no matter how exciting it is for their team to win promotion to the Premier League, they must not be involved in pitch invasions.”
There has been a number of pitch invasions at football matches recently, including one after Forest's play-off semi-final victory over Sheffield United at the City Ground. That led to Blades striker Billy Sharp being headbutted by Reds supporter Robert Biggs, who was subsequently jailed for 24 weeks after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The 30-year-old from Ilkeston was also handed a football banning order for 10 years, while Forest have banned him for life.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman also called a pitch invasion at Manchester City’s ground “concerning” after Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen was reportedly assaulted as home supporters celebrated.
