Walsall's warning to fans ahead of pivotal games
Walsall have warned supporters to stay off the pitch ahead of back-to-back home games which could prove pivotal to their automatic promotion hopes.
The Saddlers host Shrewsbury tonight and then entertain Fleetwood on Bank Holiday Monday, with the club urging fans to keep their emotions in check.
Walsall were made to explain their stewarding procedures to the FA after a "small number" of fans ran onto the field following a last-gasp win over Southend earlier this month and Banks's Stadium officials are eager not to see a repeat, for fear the club could be slapped with a hefty fine.
In a statement, the club said: "The FA has viewed with concern a number of incidents at this stage of the season involving pitch incursions by spectators.
"As a result, such incidents have resulted in clubs being charged and subsequently fined up to £200,000 by Regulatory Commissions. A fine of this magnitude would be extremely damaging to Walsall FC.
"The club would like to ask supporters to refrain from entering the field of play at any time during the course of the games.
"Regardless of the outcome, and our final league standing, supporters are required to remain in the stands to ensure the safety of the players, officials and both sets of spectators."
The Saddlers will guarantee a place in the play-offs with a draw tonight, while victory would bring them to within three points of second-placed Burton.
The statement continued: "We appreciate your fantastic support once again this season and understand how a passionate-fuelled stadium creates a better and more enjoyable atmosphere for everyone in attendance.
"We've seen some amazing final moments of games here at the Banks's Stadium, moments which has lifted all of us out of our seat.
"However, we ask you to keep off the field of play at all times. Traditionally fans have viewed the last game of the regular season as an opportunity to take to the field of play once the game has concluded.
"Emotions undoubtedly run high but in order to comply with the rules and regulations set out by the Football Association, this sort of action cannot and will not be tolerated."
