Love football, protect the game

Every fan should feel safe and enjoy an inclusive experience when they attend matches at the LNER Stadium and dangerous or anti-social behaviour have no place in our game.

City have previously been warned after pyrotechnics have been used by supporters at games, and further incidents this season would almost certainly result in financial penalties against the club.

Imps chief executive Liam Scully said: "We have discussed this with supporter groups, but want to be clear and up front with everyone as to the likely ramifications for further indiscretions.

"We believe we are on our last warning after a number of incidents last season. If this happens again we are highly likely to be charged and could be fined - money we would much rather be putting towards the matchday experience or our efforts on the pitch."

City have joined other EFL clubs in the Love Football, Protect the Game campaign to educate supporters on the impact of anti-social behaviour and pitch incursions which can result in banning orders for the individuals concerned and significant fines being imposed on the club by the football authorities.

Regulation changes and tough new measures have been introduced this season which will see people who are found to have committed offences face stadium bans and potential criminal prosecution.

In addition to bans and criminal sanctions, a range of in-stadium, in-classroom and online resources will be rolled out under the ‘Love Football Protect the Game’ banner, to educate adults and children alike about the hurt tragedy chanting causes. Ground regulations have also been updated to incorporate references to tragedy chanting.

The game will also continue its efforts to combat dangerous, illegal and unwelcome behaviour off the pitch, be it in the stands or online. Last season a host of new measures were introduced by authorities which saw enhanced sanctions applied for people identified entering the pitch, using pyros, taking drugs to games, throwing objects or for discriminatory abuse.