The end of the regular season is upon us, as we play out game 46 of the 23/24 Sky Bet League One campaign at Oakwell tomorrow lunchtime against Northampton Town.
The Barnsley FC players and staff would like to thank you all for your outstanding support again this season, with a lap of appreciation after the match.
The players and staff will return to the changing room at full-time, before returning to walk around the perimeter of the playing surface to thank you for your tremendous backing in 23/24. However, this will only happen if there is no pitch incursion.
It is crucial that all supporters who choose to stay behind remain in their seats following the conclusion of the game. Supporters are reminded about the dangers of entering the field of play and the penalties that result in such action.
There will be a zero-tolerance approach to any pitch encroachment, and we ask all supporters for their co-operation. Please do not ruin the lap of appreciation by the players, and risk yourself being banned, facing sanctions or a criminal record, or both.
A full list of ground regulations is available here, and on posters around the ground.
You can also read more about the Love Football, Protect the Game campaign, which all EFL and Premier League clubs are supporting here.
Please note the following message from our Safety Officer, Paul Davis below.
Reds supporters,
The pitch is a working environment for the players and officials and we have a duty of care to protect them as much as we can. Every time someone enters the field of play, it increases the risk that a player might get injured.
In addition, it is a criminal offence under the Football Offences Act 1991 which states: It is an offence for a person at a designated football match to go onto the playing area, or any area adjacent to the playing area to which spectators are not generally admitted, without lawful authority or lawful excuse (which shall be for them to prove). Think about how having this conviction may affect your employment and future prospects. Even going onto the trackside is a criminal offence.
The judge may decide to impose a football banning order which would legally prevent you from attending football matches for a minimum of three years. When England play an away game, you will have to hand your passport in regardless of whether you are going to the game or not. In addition, you will receive a club ban. So, please take time to consider the impact of what consequences it may have if you enter the field of play.
Both clubs may get charged by the FA and this can result in heavy fines and last season saw large fines into the tens of thousands for a number of clubs.
Please take time to consider the impact pitch incursions will have for you as an individual but also for your club. The best way to enjoy any success is to stay in the stands and celebrate from there.
Paul Davis - Safety Officer
