Stevenage FC have been fined £7,500 by an independent panel following a pitch invasion incident involving a 14-year-old fan attempting to assault a Bradford player during a match in February.
The incident occurred in the 87th minute of the game, which ultimately ended in a 3-2 victory for the visitors and put an end to Stevenage’s 12-match unbeaten run.
In response to this incident, the club has also been ordered to develop an action plan to mitigate the risk of such occurrences in the future.
The Incident and its Consequences: During the February game, a 14-year-old supporter broke onto the pitch and attempted to assault Bradford’s Andy Cook.
Fortunately, a Stevenage player intervened and prevented any harm from occurring. The pitch invader was able to run unopposed toward the centre circle.
Following a thorough investigation, the independent panel found that Stevenage failed to ensure that fans did not encroach on the pitch or engage in any form of pitch incursion.
The club was held responsible for the absence of a proper risk assessment and action plan to handle such incidents, leading to a delayed response from security and safety staff.
The panel issued a £7,500 fine to the club and mandated the development of a comprehensive action plan to minimize the risk of similar occurrences in the future.
In light of the pitch invasion incident and the subsequent fine, Stevenage has taken immediate action to enhance security at Lamex Stadium.
The club has implemented a dedicated ‘pitch invasion team’ for home games, aimed at swiftly responding to any potential incidents that may arise during matches.
This specialised team is equipped to handle security-related matters, ensuring a more proactive approach to maintain order and safety in the stadium.
