The English Football League (EFL) has launched a major campaign to tackle a surge in poor fan behaviour, including pitch invasions, violence, and the use of pyrotechnics. The initiative, called 'Love Football, Protect the Game', comes after a series of ugly incidents marred the end of last season, most notably when a Nottingham Forest fan headbutted Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp after a Championship play-off semi-final.
EFL chief executive Trevor Birch described the attack as 'horrendous' and stressed the need to protect players. 'The fans who have committed those violent acts have spoilt it for everyone,' he said. 'The plea is now simply: just please, please behave yourselves and stay off the pitch.' The campaign promises stadium bans for pitch invaders, increased criminal prosecutions, and a minimum 12-month ban for any offence, with lifetime bans possible.
The EFL, alongside the Premier League, Football Association, Professional Footballers’ Association, and the Football Supporters’ Association, is pushing for better stewarding and fan engagement. A virtual Match Experience Fan Forum, chaired by Sky presenter David Prutton, took place on Tuesday night to discuss the issue. Birch noted that while incidents remain low—less than 0.005% of the 19.2 million fans who attended matches in the 21/22 season—any repeat of the violence will not be tolerated.
The campaign also targets the use of pyrotechnics and drugs, with offenders facing criminal records. Fans have already been banned, including one at Middlesbrough for allowing their child to go onto the pitch. Birch emphasised that the pitch is for players and the stands for fans, and that the actions of a minority threaten the safety of officials, managers, and players.
