The Football Supporters’ Federation have called on stewards to consider how they control celebrating fans as they risk turning them into criminals.
The FSF’s Amanda Jacks raised the issue after seven men were arrested when fans spilled on to the pitch after Newcastle’s equaliser against Bournemouth last Saturday.
“We’re seeing people criminalised for going on the pitch, celebrating for 30 seconds and all of a sudden they have a criminal record,” Jacks said.
“It is important that stewards understand football fans, fan behaviour and crowd psychology.”
John Newsham of the Football Safety Officers Association, said: “There are signs up saying it is a criminal offence. Otherwise, where is the deterrent?”
