FAN BEHAVIOUR

To challenge the totally unacceptable presence of football abuse, regulation changes and tough new measures have been introduced which will see people who are found to have committed offences face stadium bans and potential criminal prosecution.

The issue is focused on offensive chanting, gesturing and displaying offensive messages based on football-related tragedies, which causes significant distress to the victims’ families, survivors and affected-club supporters. Football authorities, supporter groups and law enforcement organisations, including the police and CPS, have united to crack down on fans who participate in this vile form of abuse.

In addition to bans and criminal sanctions, a range of in-stadium, in-classroom and online resources will be rolled out under the ‘Love Football Protect the Game’ banner, to educate adults and children alike about the hurt tragedy chanting causes. Ground regulations have also been updated to incorporate references to tragedy chanting.

The game will also continue its efforts to combat dangerous, illegal and unwelcome behaviour off the pitch, be it in the stands or online. Last season a host of new measures were introduced by authorities which saw enhanced sanctions applied for people identified entering the pitch, using pyros, taking drugs to games, throwing objects or for discriminatory abuse.

We thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to seeing you at the Brick Community Stadium on Sunday.

PERSISTENT STANDING

At the Brick Community Stadium, the Club would like to remind supporters that persistent standing is not permitted. As a Football Club, Wigan Athletic works under a safety certificate as an all-seater stadium, therefore standing for prolonged periods of time not only breaches ground regulations but is a potential safety issue and can ruin the matchday experience for others.

PYROTECHNICS

The Club would also like to remind supporters that it is illegal to bring pyrotechnics into the Brick Community Stadium, and there are consequences for anybody who breaks the law and ground regulations. Anyone caught possessing or using pyrotechnics will be reported to the police and prosecution could result in a permanent criminal record.

Football authorities have introduced measures and stronger sanctions across the game to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviours. While fan behaviour on a matchday has shown some signs of improvement, there have been instances where pyrotechnics including flares, smoke bombs and fireworks have been found or used in stadiums.

Wigan Athletic prides itself on being a family-friendly Club and is committed to ensuring that the field of play remains safe for players, managers and match officials, just as the stands should be for supporters.

Matchday Information | Wigan Athletic Women v Blackburn CSC Reserves