Love Football Protect The Game: A Message Ahead Of Carlisle Clash

As we approach the closing stages of another exciting season, there remains plenty to play for as the race for promotion continues.

Derby County will conclude their 2023/24 Sky Bet League One campaign against Carlisle United at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday 27th April (12:30pm kick-off) and a positive result will see the side secure automatic promotion to the Championship.

At a crucial stage of the campaign, it goes without saying that everyone associated with the club are hugely thankful for the support received from the stands this season, both in large numbers at Pride Park Stadium and on the road right across the country.

The noise and atmosphere created has played a fundamental part in the team competing for promotion back to the second tier and Head Coach Paul Warne, his backroom staff and all the players are hugely appreciative of the fantastic support they receive.

At this important stage of the season the club must remind all supporters, in the interests of safety for everyone inside Pride Park Stadium, that the pitch is for managers, coaching staff, players and match officials, while the stands are there for supporters to play their part and back the team.

At the end of last season, some clubs unfortunately witnessed unsavoury and unwelcome scenes with a small minority of people entering the field of play whilst other fans took to the pitch in celebratory mood.

Pitch incursions are dangerous and anyone who does encroach onto the playing surface will face strong sanctions that could include a ban from attending matches at Pride Park Stadium and across the country and police action.

It is a criminal offence to enter the pitch and the real-life consequences for these actions have been felt by many, with some fans receiving criminal records which can impact employment, education prospects and international travel.

It is not only yourself that can be disciplined. There could also be an impact on your family members and Derby County itself.

The club wishes to urge supporters to keep the pitch for players and the stand for spectators and avoid any unnecessary disruption at such a crucial point of the season.

Love Football, Protect the Game.