Premier League clubs have agreed to penalize pitch-invading fans, a minimum one-year ban from their team’s home and away matches.
Supporters who are found guilty of entering the pitch without permission or using smoke bombs and other pyrotechnics will receive the automatic 12-month suspension.
The penalties could also extended to accompanying parents or guardians of children who take part in such activities.
The bans have been given in response to a series of dangerous pitch invasions in the Premier League and lower leagues last season.
The policy comes into effect immediately, with the next round of Premier League matches set for the weekend of October 1st and 2nd.
According to a Premier League statement issued on Wednesday, clubs unanimously agreed to introduce minimum-length bans for supporters who take part in anti-social and criminal behaviors at League stadiums.
“Fans caught carrying or activating pyrotechnics or smoke bombs, or entering the pitch without permission, will receive an automatic club ban with a minimum term of one year.
Last season, Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira lashed out at an Everton supporter after being goaded by fans who ran onto the pitch following their side’s victory at Goodison.
Ugly scenes were also witnessed when fans stormed the pitch after Nottingham Forest’s Championship play-off semi-final win against Sheffield United in May.