UK Edition
FA launch investigation after three sets of pitch invasions over weekend
The Football Association will launch an investigation into three pitch invasions by supporters last weekend, one of which left a female steward with a suspected broken nose.
The steward had to receive treatment from paramedics at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium after being injured when a group of Newcastle fans entered the playing area to celebrate Matt Ritchie's late equaliser. An FA spokesman has confirmed they will write to both clubs to seek their observations on the incident, after having studied referee Mike Dean's report.
Dorset Police had confirmed on Saturday night that they had arrested seven fans, including a 14-year-old boy.
A statement read: “Six men and a 14 year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of going onto the playing area of a football match from the away supporters’ stand and are assisting officers with their inquiries.
"One female steward sustained an injury to her nose during the incident and investigations are underway to establish whether any assault took place.”
Newcastle are understood to want to wait for the observations from Bournemouth and Dorset Police before deciding what action to take against the supporters.
The FA will also write to West Ham and Swansea City after fans entered the playing areas at the London Stadium and the Liberty Stadium.
The incidents came just 24 hours after the FA and Football League had issued a joint statement to condemn the behaviour of supporters after a spate of pitch invasions the previous Sunday.
Aston Villa's Jack Grealish was attacked by Birmingham City fan Paul Mitchell at St Andrew's - the supporter was subsequently jailed for 14 weeks - while Manchester United's Chris Smalling was confronted and shoved later the same day.
Gary Cooper, 30, has been charged with common assault and encroaching onto the pitch and has been bailed to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court later this month.
Both Birmingham and Arsenal were charged by the FA for failing to control their supporters and it is likely that Bournemouth, West Ham and Swansea can all expect similar sanctions.
The FA only have the power to punish host clubs for fans encroaching onto the field of play, although individuals can be punished by the police.
In the wake of the Grealish and Smalling incidents, Manchester United's Ashley Young expressed fears over player safety from fans invading the pitch.
“What if they are carrying something?" he said. "The players will be in danger. It is definitely something that the FA, Premier League and Fifa [need to look at]. Something has to be done.”