Come next season pitch invasions in the English Premier League (EPL), will be officially deemed illegal and subject to penalties including bans by the respective clubs. This as part of the new measures by the Premier league to keep players and management safe during and after games.

The announced by the League comes following investigations into several cases of players and coaches being assaulted after games during the latter part of the 2021/22 season.

Following the respective enquiries of concern the Football Association (FA), Premier League and EFL have now set out new measures to prosecute those who seek to create havoc in the game through pitch invasions.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “The rise in anti-social behaviour that we saw in stadiums at the end of last season was entirely unacceptable and put people’s safety at risk. Together, English football has introduced new measures and stronger sanctions, for the start of the coming season, to send out a clear message that we will not tolerate this type of illegal and dangerous behaviour.”

“It is the responsibility of everyone in the game, including governing bodies, clubs, players, coaches, and fans, to ensure that we all play our part in protecting our game and each other ” he added.

The news comes after Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp was headbutted by a rival fan in their playoff semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest and reports that Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen being assaulted during Manchester City’s title win celebrations after that game.

This strongest factor would also be the physical altercation between Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira and an Everton fan in May following Everton’s crucial 3-2 Toffees win which saw them escape relegation.

The clubs will also face some scrutiny in the new rules as well, with the revised status quo set to impose harsher punishment on clubs who are unable to control fans in cases of pitch invasions.