Wales fans warned against pitch invasion at Ukraine World Cup play-off

The Football Association of Wales warning comes after a spate of disorder towards the end of the season

Wales football fans have been told they face criminal proceedings if they invade the pitch after Sunday’s World Cup play-off final (David Davies/PA) (PA Archive)

Wales fans will face police action if they invade the pitch after Sunday’s World Cup play-off final against Ukraine.

Supporters have also been told not to bring pyrotechnics into the Cardiff City Stadium and risk arrest and a minimum three-year football banning order.

The warning from the Football Association of Wales comes after a spate of disorder towards the end of the season.

There were several post-match pitch invasions and a Nottingham Forest fan was jailed for 24 weeks after he attacked Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp.

“Cymru fans are award-winning and respected across Europe but depending on the situation at the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup play-off final; all spectators are politely requested to keep off the pitch,” the FAW said in a statement.

“Anyone entering the field of play will be subject to criminal proceedings.

“It is also vitally important that the condition of the playing surface is protected for the two UEFA Nations League matches being played at Cardiff City Stadium on June 8 and June 11.”

Pitch invasions became a common sight at the end of the season (Zac Goodwin/PA) (PA Wire)

The FAW have also said the use of pyrotechnics will not be tolerated after flares were widely seen at grounds at the end of the domestic season.

“There is no safe use of pyrotechnics in spectator areas at football events with their use having many health risks and dangers such as loss of sight, limb or digit removal due to their explosive power,” the statement added.

“Being in possession of a pyrotechnic device at a football match or attempting to bring such a device into a football stadium, is a criminal offence under the Sporting Events Act 1985.

“Any person committing such an offence faces an FA Wales ban, probable arrest and a minimum three-year football banning order.

The Football Association of Wales have reminded fans of the dangers of bringing pyrotechnics into the stadium (Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Wire)

“Fans are advised not to travel to the Cardiff City Stadium without a ticket and there will be no fan activity outside the stadium.

“There is no public screening or fan zone showing the match within the city centre and fans without tickets are advised to avoid travelling due to several other events taking place on Sunday, 5 June.”