SPFL chief Neil Doncaster warns clubs over fan behaviour and pitch invasions ahead of new season

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster has sent out a warning to Scottish football supporters regarding pitch invasions ahead of the 2022/23 season.

All four SPFL division get underway on Saturday and for the first time since 2019 there will be no restrictions in place for clubs to follow on the back of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Doncaster is looking forward to the game returning to a sense of normality in Scotland but has made it clear to fans that unacceptable behaviour will now be tolerated and those found guilty will face severe punishment.

He said: “At the end of every close season, there is always a huge feeling of anticipation amongst fans, players and managers, but this year there is a sense that this is the return of something very special, with clubs able to operate under normal conditions again.

“The restrictions caused by Covid were hugely difficult for clubs and fans, and the entire Scottish game should be incredibly proud of how it dealt with those enormous challenges.

“Scottish football is more reliant on gate receipts than the vast majority of other leagues, so getting fans back into the grounds is not only hugely important for the atmosphere and performance on the pitch, it is also crucial for our clubs’ business models.

“The vast and overwhelming majority of Scottish football fans bring a passion and energy to games that is not found anywhere else. They are the lifeblood of our game.

“Indeed, SPFL attendances, in normal years, are invariably the highest per head of population in Europe.

“It would be fantastic if all we are talking about is the quality of the football rather than the unacceptable behaviour of a few fans who cause trouble, and having spoken to clubs across all four divisions, I know they are all hoping for a trouble-free season.

“While pitch invasions like those which were depressingly frequent down south at the end of last season are not something we commonly see in Scottish football we are not complacent and in the coming season, we will be working hard with our colleagues at Police Scotland, club safety officers and other authorities to ensure that anyone misbehaving is going to be found and punished severly.

“Clubs have invested heavily in CCTV systems, stewarding and policing but the vast majority of decent fans also have a crucial role to play in pointing out unacceptable behaviour, so that we can all focus on the things that make Scottish football so uniquely exciting.”