Non league club suspend first-team player ‘until further notice’ after incident during match

A non league club have took to suspend a first-team player of theirs ‘until further notice’ after an incident during a match.

In a late-February fixture, a fan ran onto pitch to confront player in the Wessex League game between Moneyfields and Fareham Town, which finished 3-3.

Photos show the spectator squaring up to Moneyfields defender Tom Cain during the second half after the culprit jumped over the safety railing that runs the length of the clubhouse side of the stadium.

A second spectator also came onto the pitch to try and diffuse the situation, referee James Byng asked for both fans to be kicked out from the ground, with stewards escorting them out.

Fareham say the matter will be dealt with internally and Moneyfields are hoping they escape any fines from the Football Association.

It’s not just the professional game where fans think they can go after players.

In fairness to the Fareham Town players, they did usher their supporters off the pitch pic.twitter.com/0kdQ8xeJeR

— Dave Bodymore (@davebodymore) February 26, 2022

Moneyfields chairman Pete Seiden said via Portsmouth News: ‘It all happened so quickly.

‘There was some handbags between two players, a spectator evaded a steward and jumped onto the pitch.

‘It was dealt with very quickly. The spectators were asked to leave the ground, and they left the ground.’

Seiden said the club had its usual 20 unpaid volunteer stewards at Dover Road for the game.

‘They all do different roles and then during the game are positioned around the ground.’

Questioned if he thought Moneyfields would be fined as a result of spectators encroaching onto the pitch during a game, he replied: ‘I would hope not.

‘We did all we could to get everything sorted quickly.’

Moneyfields secretary Joe Albertella added: ‘It’s the first time I’ve known anything like this happen.

‘We had the same amount of stewards for games where we’ve had crowds 500, 300, 200, and not had anything like that.

‘Fareham have said they will deal with the matter internally.’

As well as handing one first-team squad member a suspension, Fareham say they are ‘investigating the identity of the other individual involved’ in the short incident at Moneyfields – but made it clear the individual would ‘not be permitted entry’ to any future games.

In a statement, Fareham said: ‘Following an incident at Moneyfields (last) Saturday, we have suspended a player until further notice whilst ongoing investigations take place whilst at the same time assisting the relevant bodies with their enquiries.

‘In addition, we are investigating the identity of other individual involved, but wish to make it known that they will not be permitted entry to Fareham Town games.’

Twitter users reacted as the non league club suspend first-team player ‘until further notice’ after incident with fan…

@NetGavin: They need to be banned from Fareham at a minimum. Embarrassing for all at @farehamtownfc

@Farehamforever: These are NOT Fareham Town supporters.

@davebodymore: One is a Fareham player and the other was there from the moment the bar opened with other Fareham supporters. Pointless distancing yourselves from them. Just ensure they’re dealt with appropriately

@mevster1: We all get annoyed/frustrated but to walk on the pitch is embarrassing, fareham should be banning those fans

@MarkRic91845508: Totally out of order, stay off the pitch.

@CupChange: Looks like the sort who starts fights on a Friday night.

@KeithWaddingto2: The skinny jeans are a dead giveaway

@gturnbull1974: Friends, real friends stick up for each other. Wish I was able to watch in the ground

@nonleagueforall: It’s not big and it’s not clever!

@chriscox7: @farehamtownfc hopefully this is being dealt with, we know he’s not a fan but a player is even worse.

@TerraceTrav: Well this is interesting for the Wessex League! Sure Fareham aren’t too happy with this!

@Len12Ben: Looks like he’s trying to kiss him the big weirdo

@originalfrostie: Tell me you’re a cunt without telling you’re a cunt

@BarsdellPreston: There’s always 1 idiot, just can’t stand and watch the game oh no, got to make a prat of himself.

@ForeverAYellow: christ me can no one just go to a game of footie, watch the game play out and not be a prick anymore?! it aint hard to control yourself, enjoy the game for what it is

@arf_wba: Fucking diddycoys 😂😂😂

@BenTarling5: Makes me sick

Does he have his shoes on the wrong feet? pic.twitter.com/4vVW4Rs39S

— Paul Widger (@widger123) February 26, 2022