Seasons » 2015-16 » Everton News
Everton reprieve fans involved in Bournemouth pitch incursion

The fans were arrested after a cluster of jubilant Evertonians spilled onto the playing surface following Ross Barkley's goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time of the 3-3 draw, a strike that restored the Blues' lead on the day and looked to have secured three precious points.
Bournemouth equalised shortly after the spectators had been returned to the stands and referee Kevin Friend had resumed the match but the ramifications of the events surrounding the celebration of Everton's third goal looked to have been further reaching when three fans were sent letters by the Blues' head of security, Dave Lewis.
They were advised that they faced being banned from Goodison Park for the remainder of the season but the club have since relented after speaking with the supporters concerned. They explained that a surge from behind when Barkley's goal went in forced them onto the pitch.
A statement from Everton announcing their about face said: “While we would emphasise to supporters that coming on the pitch is a criminal offence and may result in a football banning order, we have also listened to fans to understand the circumstances around this particular incident.
“As a club, we have to demonstrate to the FA what we have done to prevent these kinds of occurrences and what we will do to prevent them from happening again.
“In this instance, we have spoken to some of those arrested and, having reviewed the circumstances, the fans in question will be allowed to come to the game on Monday night and we will further review the situation going forward.”
Reader Comments (10)
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2 Posted 05/12/2015 at 08:13:33
I was having a pint with my father at the time Barkley's goal went in and I knocked over our two pints and the table.
I also would have thought that barring me for life would've been harsh.
5 Posted 05/12/2015 at 10:32:41
6 Posted 05/12/2015 at 10:36:07
7 Posted 05/12/2015 at 10:52:17
8 Posted 05/12/2015 at 11:31:36
The only way out of that ground was the walkway at the very front of the stand to the exits, one by the corner flag and one by the fence segregating the fans. Loads of Everton fans were walking down the terracing making their way out when Barkley scored. So naturally there was a surge from further back, making those at the front vulnerable to possible injury. The wall was only about 2-3 feet high, so easy to jump.
I'm not condoning their actions, as I suppose the fans could have stayed on the track round the pitch rather than actually going on the pitch. But hey, when you score a "winning goal" in the fifth minute of added on time, I guess your emotions get the better of you!!
9 Posted 05/12/2015 at 12:07:19
10 Posted 05/12/2015 at 12:20:47
11 Posted 05/12/2015 at 21:16:22
13 Posted 09/12/2015 at 01:37:44
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1 Posted 05/12/2015 at 06:41:12
Christmas came early for them.
File it under 'least said, soonest mended'