The 20 Premier League clubs agreed on Wednesday that any fan who owns a flare and lights it or enters the pitch will be banned from entering football stadiums for at least a year.
“At a Premier League shareholders meeting today, clubs unanimously agreed to introduce minimum-length bans for supporters who take part in anti-social and criminal behaviours at League stadiums.” a Premier League statement read.
“Fans caught carrying or activating pyrotechnics or smoke bombs, or entering the pitch without permission, will receive an automatic club ban with a minimum term of one year.
“The bans may extend to parents or guardians of minors who perform such actions,” the Premier League added.
The actions will take effect on the next Premier League matchday, which will be held in early October.
“Everyone should feel safe and able to enjoy a game of football. Together, clubs and partners at all levels of football, we say that the types of accidents we saw last season must stop,” the Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said.
“If we don’t take collective and firm action, it will only be a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or even worse,” he added.
A series of incidents marked the top level of British football at the end of last season, such as the invasion of the pitch in the match between Everton and Crystal Palace, in which the ‘Toffees’ secured their stay in the top flight.
Meanwhile three weeks earlier, Liverpool club fans had used flares in a win over Chelsea.
Tottenham forward Richarlison was banned for one game for catching, waving and throwing a flare in the stands after scoring the winning goal in the first minute of the second half.
