Coventry set to escape action after disgruntled fans invade pitch at Crawley

The club were deducted 10 points last week

Drew Williams
Thursday 08 August 2013 00:10 BST
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A Coventry City supporter is restrained by security after a pitch-invasion during the Sky Bet League One match against Crawley Town
A Coventry City supporter is restrained by security after a pitch-invasion during the Sky Bet League One match against Crawley Town

The Football Association is unlikely to take any disciplinary action following a minor pitch invasion by Coventry supporters during Saturday's Sky Bet League One clash at Crawley, Press Association Sport understands.

A dozen or so Sky Blues fans - frustrated by off-field events at the crisis club - went on to the Broadfield Stadium pitch and held up play for three minutes after seeing their side go 2-0 down midway through the first half.

Stewards and police chased the invaders before escorting them off the field of play, although it is currently unconfirmed as to whether any arrests were made by Sussex Police.

The FA is understood to be aware of the incident and is talking to both clubs but further punishment - which is rare - does not appear to be on the cards, with Crawley having taken every reasonable step to avoid the scenario and duly control the matter.

The news will comes as a relief to Coventry boss Steven Pressley, who, currently working under a transfer embargo, saw his side deducted 10 points on Friday night with CCFC Ltd facing liquidation.

Speaking after Saturday's match, which was attended by over 1,000 travelling Coventry fans, Pressley said: "The vast majority behaved brilliantly. I hope there won't be any action taken because of the pitch invasion.

"If you become a football manager you have difficult cards. Coventry City is a great club and over the past four or five months a lot of politics has gone one, but I'm determined to lead us through this difficult period."

City battled back from going behind to goals from Jamie Proctor and Joe Walsh, with Callum Wilson and Franck Moussa scoring, before midfielder Mike Jones gave Crawley a 3-2 victory six minutes from time.

PA

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