Pitch invasion warning for Forest fans
Nottingham Forest fans are being advised not to run on to the City Ground pitch tonight should the team win a date at Wembley.
Forest host Blackpool in their Championship play-off semi-final tonight, 7.45pm kick-off looking to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg.
The winners of the tie will book their place at Wembley for the play-off final on Saturday May 22.
However, Nottinghamshire Police say should Forest prove the overall victors, anyone who ventures on to the pitch will find themselves subject to a banning order which will prevent them from attending the Wembley showpiece, or any other football ground for what could be a significant period of time.
A fortnight ago, Nottinghamshire Police urged Notts County fans not to spoil the presentation of the League Two Championship trophy at Meadow Lane by running on to the pitch at the end of the Magpies’ last home match of the season.
And football match police commander Superintendent Mark Holland has again made it clear that an incursion on to the pitch is a criminal offence under the Football Spectators Act 1989 and the Football (Disorder) Act 2000.
Superintendent Holland said: “Both Forest and County have had such incredible seasons and it has been a phenomenal time for football fans in Nottingham.
“We are all hoping for a Forest win on Tuesday night to book that place for what should hopefully be an unforgettable day at Wembley for the play-off final.
"It would be a shame for any fan to miss out just because they let their emotions get the better of them on Tuesday, run on to the pitch and are served with a banning order which would prevent them from getting into the national stadium, or any other football ground.
“As we told Notts County fans recently, it may seem that running on to the pitch is a harmless way of expressing delight, but it is actually against the law. It also creates a significant safety issue, particularly for those more vulnerable supporters such as children and the elderly, and could result in someone getting injured.
“Forest fans also need to be aware that we will be filming them on Tuesday, so even someone who runs on to the pitch and is not arrested there and then may find themselves prosecuted subsequently.
”It should hopefully be a magical night at the City Ground with so much at stake for the two clubs and their supporters, so our message is to enjoy the night, cheer on the Reds and make sure both the club and all its fans are on their way to Wembley by the time the full time whistle is blown.”
