Derby County’s first-team squad and staff would like to show their appreciation for the support they’ve received during the 2022/23 season with a Lap of Appreciation following the conclusion of Saturday’s Sky Bet League One fixture against Portsmouth at Pride Park Stadium (3pm kick-off).
This will, however, only be able to take place if the pitch remains clear at the final whistle.
The club would like to remind supporters to stay off the pitch at all times and respect the ground regulations and consider the potential wider consequences to themselves and Derby County by failing to do so.
In the interests of safety and wellbeing for everyone inside stadiums, the pitch is for players, managers and officials, while the stands are there for fans to support their team.
At the end of last season, football witnessed some unwelcome scenes when fans entered the field of play without permission at several grounds. Even if this is done in celebratory fashion, any supporter who comes onto the pitch is breaking the law and putting the welfare of players, coaches, club staff and fellow fans at risk.
It should be noted that this unacceptable behaviour is carried out by a minority of fans, and their actions do not represent most supporters, but they risk ruining the fantastic experience of a football match for everyone.
At the start of this season, the Premier League, EFL, NLS Leagues and The FA worked with the Football Supporters’ Association to introduce new measures and stronger sanctions to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviours, such as entering the pitch and the use of pyrotechnics.
This includes automatic club bans and police action, and there have seen cases this season which have led to fans receiving criminal records. This can impact employment and education prospects, restrict ability to travel overseas, and could result in a prison sentence. Club bans can also extend to accompanying parents or guardians of children who take part in this activity.
Those who encroach on the pitch risk facing banning orders as well as a criminal conviction, while the club could also face a fine as a result.
But our message is clear: fans must stay in the stands and avoid any unnecessary disruption at such a crucial point of the season.
Love Football, Protect the Game.
