The Football Association released a brief statement today regarding Plymouth Argyle’s punishment for invading the field at Home Park during the season’s penultimate game.

After Argyle defeated Hull City 1-0 to secure their place in the Championship, hundreds of supporters surged onto the pitch from the stands. As a result, the club has been fined £45,000 and given a warning about its future behaviour.

Argyle confirmed in a statement on Friday night that they had been found to have violated Rule FA21. At an independent regulatory hearing on October 30, they acknowledged the complaint but provided thorough mitigation.

Today, the FA announced: “Plymouth Argyle FC was fined £45,000 and given a warning for their future behaviour regarding crowd control at their EFL Championship match against Hull City FC on Sunday, May 5, 2024.

Players from Plymouth Argyle arrive at the Barbican

“The club was accused of failing to make sure that fans and/or its supporters (as well as anyone posing as supporters or followers) behaved in a civilised manner, avoided inappropriate, threatening, or offensive behaviour, and avoided any kind of pitch encroachment.

Although Plymouth Argyle FC acknowledged this accusation, they refuted the idea that the actions were aggressive or menacing. After a hearing, an impartial Regulatory Commission declared the charge fully substantiated and imposed these penalties. It’s written

Following a regulatory hearing that took place on October 30 and after being charged on September 9, 2024, Argyle was found to have violated Rule FA21 due to a pitch incursion at the end of our Sky Bet Championship match against Hull City last season, the club said in a statement on Friday.

In violation of FA Rules E21.1 and E, Plymouth Argyle Football Club was accused of “failing to ensure that spectators and/or its supporters (and anyone posing as its supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion while attending the match and do not behave in a manner which is improper, threatening, or provocative; and/or encroach on the pitch or commit any form of pitch incursion.”

“The club issued a thorough statement in mitigation after acknowledging the charge. After reviewing the club’s application, the FA fined them £45,000 and issued a warning about their future behaviour.

“Although we acknowledge the happiness we all experienced upon ensuring our Championship survival for another season, fans were informed prior to, during, and following the game that it is illegal to enter the field of play and that doing so will result in charges against the football team.

Since these fees are not covered by the budget, we will have to pay for them out of the budget for facilities improvements and, in the worst case, player trading in accordance with our sustainable values.

“Although we appreciate the Green Army’s amazing support at happy times, it’s equally critical to notice when we violate FA rules and remind supporters of their duties as Plymouth Argyle Football Club’s stewards.

“Now that the issue has been resolved, we hope to see you at Derby this weekend and for the remainder of the season. The club will not be commenting further.