Crystal Palace face FA fine after FA Cup semi-final win over Aston Villa
Crystal Palace could be punished by the FA after flares and smoke-producing devices were used by their fans before their FA Cup semi-final victory over Aston Villa. The south Londoners will face either Manchester City or Nottingham Forest in next month’s showpiece after goals from Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr ensured their progression to the final.
The match was a slow burner until Eze’s curling strike broke the deadlock after 31 minutes, sparking pandemonium among the Palace fans inside Wembley. Jean-Philippe Mateta had the opportunity to double their lead after the break, but the Frenchman missed a penalty with his effort striking the left post.
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Minutes later, a second goal arrived when Sarr found the bottom corner with a thunderous effort from long range. He bagged another in stoppage time, beating the goalkeeper with a smart one-on-one finish to wrap up the victory in style.
Before the start of the match, some Palace fans behind one of the goals let off smoke bombs and flares as part of a pre-match display. It was an impressive spectacle but there is a chance that a fine could be on the way if the FA decide to take action.
Under measures introduced by the governing body in 2022, clubs are subject to a strict charging and sanctioning policy when their fans break the rules. Meanwhile, individuals who use pyrotechnics can be hit with automatic bans and face criminal prosecution.
A statement released in June of that year read: “All identified offenders will be reported by clubs to the police and prosecution could result in a permanent criminal record, which may affect their employment and education, and could result in a prison sentence.
“The FA will also be enforcing a tougher charging and sanctioning policy for clubs, which will reinforce these measures.
“Those identified carrying or using pyrotechnics or smoke bombs will now receive an automatic club ban. These bans could also be extended to accompanying parents or guardians of children who take part in these activities.”
Pyrotechnics are commonly used in football stadiums across Europe as part of elaborate fan displays intended to show support. However, they can be dangerous and have the potential to injure those using them or others in the immediate vicinity.
In a separate FA statement released in 2022, the body said: “It is important to highlight that these items are not only illegal inside a football stadium, but these prohibited items can also cause great harm to people.
“These pyrotechnics and flares can burn at up to 2,000 degrees Celsius and can cause significant injuries to carriers and fellow spectators. We have also seen a number of incidents that have resulted in people experiencing breathing difficulties, distress and discomfort.
“The potential injuries sustained as a result of someone using a pyrotechnic include: serious injuries, such as loss of limb or fingers; severe burns, due to temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Celsius; breathing problems, due to smoke inhalation; loss of hearing or sight, because of the explosive power.”
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