FA release statement as Klopp criticises "dangerous" pitch invasions

The English Football Association has released a statement condemning the recent rise in shocking incidents as the result of pitch invasions.

A number of games within the four tiers of professional football in England have seen pitch invasions. Everton fans stormed the pitch both during and after their 3-2 win against Crystal Palace on Thursday evening - an incident that saw Eagles' boss Patrick Vieira kick-out at a supporter.

Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp was also at the heart of a shocking incident after being attacked by a supporter in the aftermath of the Blades' Championship play-off defeat to Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, there were also unsavoury scenes following Port Vale's penalty shootout success against promotion rivals Swindon Town.

The FA have now penned their response with a strong message to those considering going onto the pitch. An official statement read: "We are very concerned about the rise in anti-social behaviour from fans as we reach the end of the season.

"Football stadiums should always be a safe and enjoyable space for everyone, and these incidents are completely unacceptable and have no place in our game. It is illegal to enter the pitch area in any stadium and these actions are putting players, fans and people who run the game at great risk.

"This simply cannot continue and we can confirm that we are investigating all of the incidences. Clubs play a vital role in addressing this issue and they need to prevent pitch invasions from occurring, as well as taking their own action against those that break the rules and the law. The FA will be seeking to do all that it can to work with clubs as well as addressing the issues from a disciplinary perspective.

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"We are also reviewing our regulations to help stamp this behaviour out and to ensure the safety of everyone inside a stadium."

Elsewhere, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has also had his say on the shocking scenes witnessed across the English game, signalling his huge concern at the rise in incidents. Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend's title decider against Wolverhampton Wanderers, he said: "83rd mins some fathers and sons were on, they lose their minds for their sons too, I didn't get that. Could have been dangerous.

"Not sure how you avoid that, I don't want to judge, I understand emotions but for other teams it's dangerous. I really hope we learn from that. It's just like it is. We should make sure absolutely nothing happens. We can celebrate things without threatening ourselves and the opponent."