Southampton FC: stay off the pitch and don’t bring pyrotechnics
The club’s appealed to fans ahead of the second leg of their play-off semi-final
Southampton fans are being urged to stay off the pitch and not to bring any pyrotechnics to St Mary's tonight, as they take on Middlesbrough in the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.
The first leg on Saturday ended goalless. It means the two teams are on level terms for tonight's fixture to decide which side goes through to the final at Wembley on 23rd May.
It is set to be an emotional night and Southampton have put a statement on their website calling for fans to stay in the stands. They’ve also called for fans not to set off flares, smoke bombs or any other pyrotechnics inside or outside St Mary's:
“Following the play-off fixture against West Bromwich Albion in 2024, we were heavily sanctioned by the EFL after supporters entered the pitch and used pyrotechnics both before and during the game. These resources would be better directed towards improving the club's infrastructure and playing squad.
“The EFL and relevant authorities will have officials in attendance at Tuesday’s match, and the club has a duty to ensure the safety and security of all supporters, players and staff.”
The club has reminded supporters that possession of pyrotechnics is a criminal offence and said, on their website, that any pitch invaders could be arrested, prosecuted and be banned from watching the club in the future.