Question Number: 28864

League Specific 10/19/2014

RE: Adult

nyi lin soe of Yangon, Yangon Myanmar(Burma) asks...

When home team r win..Referee whistle finish match..both team r not go to rest room or away team go to rest room.then supporters of home team r go on football field cheering...any break rule???

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
There is certainly no breach of the Laws of Game. At the highest level there can be competition rules which sets out requirements in respect of spectator controls. For instance some competition rules prevent spectators entering the field of play after the game and are part of the competition disciplinary rules. There is also stadium crowd control measures which places restrictions on spectator movements. Those are imposed by the police and by local authorities.
In general breaches only become an issue when they threaten safety or cause offence.
The most recent example is where Wales was handed a €5000 fine after travelling supporters entered the field of play in the Euro 2016 qualifier in Andorra in September.
Supporters spilled onto the pitch at the Estadi Nacional on September 9 after Gareth Bale had scored a free-kick to put Wales ahead in the last 10 minutes of the game.
Under UEFA disciplinary guidelines, the punishment for such crowd problems range from a warning to a points deduction. The governing body opted for a fine in that case after the matter was reported by the match delegate and probably the referee.

Answer provided by Referee James Sowa

There is not necessarily any violation of rules here unless the competition specifically stipulates that spectators can not enter the field. This is typically enforced by some sort of crowd control and not the referee.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Nyi Lin Soe,
safety and crowd control at the stadiums , or field matches are very important.

Celebration of a victory or goal is part of the enjoyment of the beautiful game but even a jubilant pitch invasion can turn ugly or cause property damage as a result of undisciplined individuals having fun at he expense of others. So rules permitting who gets to be where and when should be posted , with the consequences for not following these rules, explained!

While a referee manages the game with the safety of the players, all associations must think about the conduct and safety of everyone attending. FIFA will punish national associations who fail to take precautions against disruptions where the teams playing are exposed to any danger or property is damaged. As my colleagues point out sometimes the team itself is held responsible for spectators. Often at the youth level the coach has to answer for parent conduct.


Cheers