sport news Football's week of pitch invasion shame: FA launch probe and top cop predicts ... trends now

sport news Football's week of pitch invasion shame: FA launch probe and top cop predicts ... trends now
sport news Football's week of pitch invasion shame: FA launch probe and top cop predicts ... trends now

sport news Football's week of pitch invasion shame: FA launch probe and top cop predicts ... trends now

Eddie Howe fears football could be heading for a tragedy if it doesn't get tough and clamp down on pitch-invading supporters who have brought shame on the game.

The Newcastle manager delivered the stark warning after a week of ugly scenes that have marred matches across the country, culminating in a post-match altercation when Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira was confronted and provoked into a furious reaction by an Everton-supporting yob on Thursday.

Following a recent spate of unsavoury incidents, Sportsmail can report:

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has called for action 'very quickly' to 'avert potential tragedy'

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has called for action 'very quickly' to 'avert potential tragedy'

Police chief Mark Roberts warned clubs may now need to put up barriers to prevent fans getting on the pitch; Vieira faces an FA charge amid Palace fury about the behaviour of Everton fans and handling of the first pitch invasion; Everton are also in the dock and subject of a wide-ranging investigation into the behaviour of their supporters; The FA pledged to review their rules in a bid to tackle the growing crisis and challenged clubs to step up their efforts in the fight to tackle the escalating crisis; Players and managers expressed fears about their safety, lack of security in grounds and concerns about what else fans can smuggle in as well as sneaking in flares; A man was arrested and interviewed after Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie appeared to stamp on a supporter during play-off pitch invasion.
ENGLISH FOOTBALL'S WEEK OF SHAME 

Monday

Huddersfield fans run on to the pitch at the John Smith's Stadium after beating Luton to reach the Championship play-off final. Luton boss Nathan Jones calls some of them 'an absolute disgrace' after he and his team are abused and goaded by Terriers supporters.

Tuesday

Thousands of Nottingham Forest fans invade the pitch at the City Ground, following their play-off semi-final win against Sheffield United on penalties. United's Billy Sharp is headbutted by a Forest fan who is later jailed for assault.

Wednesday

Two Northampton fans run on to the pitch, throw a flare and confront Mansfield Town striker Jordan Bowery during their play-off semi-final defeat at Sixfields.

Thursday

Everton secure their Premier League status with a comeback win over Crystal Palace. Thousands of fans stream on to the pitch. One approaches and taunts Palace manager Patrick Vieira, who then kicks out at him.

After their play-off semi-final win, Port Vale fans invade the pitch and appear to physically and verbally abuse Swindon Town players. Swindon manager Ben Garner says, 'I don't know where we're going as a country, it's absolutely disgusting.'

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Matches have featured fans storming the pitch with emotions boiling over this week.

As well as the Goodison Park incident, Nottingham Forest's Championship play-off victory against Sheffield United also concluded with a pitch invasion — and a headbutt by a Forest fan during the melee left Blades striker Billy Sharp needing stitches.

Howe is concerned about his own safety as he prepares to take Newcastle to his former club Burnley, who will learn their relegation fate on Sunday and with Clarets fans expected to enter the pitch regardless of the outcome.

Howe and Newcastle know the dugouts are on the opposite side of the stadium to the tunnel, and are seeking urgent reassurance over security arrangements.

Howe said: 'We have to act very quickly because we want to avert potential tragedy. We have to find a way to guarantee that safety, to avert a potential disaster.

'We're going into dangerous territory where

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