Flare thrown at players as one shoved by fan in latest play-off pitch invasion

Fans invaded the pitch for a third night in a row during the League Two play-off semi-final second leg between Northampton and Mansfield on Wednesday.

Mansfield's Jordan Bowery was shoved by a supporter who encroached the pitch at Sixfields whilst a flare also appeared to be thrown towards players during the game, which the Stags won 3-1 on aggregate. Mansfield tweeted: "Embarrassing scenes at Sixfields as a number of Northampton fans run onto the field."

The unsavoury scenes came just 24 hours after events at the City Ground, where Sheffield United's Billy Sharp was allegedly assaulted by a supporter following a pitch invasion by jubilant Nottingham Forest fans.

Sharp was left bloodied and shaken with the incident being condemned by Blades' boss Paul Heckingbottom, his club and Forest. Nottinghamshire Police have since confirmed a 30-year-old man has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and going on to the playing area at a football match. He is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Thursday (May 19).

There was another incident of fans entering the pitch on Monday too, following the conclusion of the Huddersfield Town versus Luton Town play-off with Hatters' boss describing home fans who ran on the pitch "an absolute disgrace" following claims they abused him and the away fans.

The cluster of incidents have led to the EFL releasing a lengthy statement warning of potential punishments for clubs such as capped attendances or even the threat of playing games behind closed doors.

The statement said: "Many people have already lost the privilege of watching their team via club bans this season and further punitive action will follow for those who continue to disregard ground regulations and break the law at football matches.

"We recognise that this lawlessness is being conducted by a small minority of individuals and that the majority of people attending matches are a credit to their club. However, it is not acceptable for supporters to enter the field of play at any time given the EFL's objective is to ensure our matches remain a safe and welcoming one for all. Therefore, over the summer we will consider what further measures are now at our disposal, including the potential use of capacity reductions or other similar mitigations."

Speaking after the events on Wednesday, Mansfield boss Nigel Clough said: "This is very concerning. It is very important that security is stepped up now at football matches.

"This has got to be dealt with and sorted out now. It is becoming a problem. Arrests and disorder are up at matches since January. Supporters are not allowed on to the pitch at any time.

"Only the 22 players and the officials should be on the pitch. So stay off it. Luckily none of my players have been injured, they are all fine. But this sort of incident has got to be nipped in the bud now."