FA issue statement as Plymouth Argyle fined for Home Park pitch invasion

The Football Association has today issued a short statement on Plymouth Argyle being sanctioned over a pitch invasion at Home Park at the end of the final match of the last season.

Hundreds of fans poured onto the playing surface from the stands as they celebrated a 1-0 win against Hull City which kept Argyle in the Championship. That has now led to the club being fined £45,000 and warned as to its future conduct.

Argyle made a statement on Friday night confirming they had been found to be in breach of Rule FA21. They admitted the charge at an independent regulatory hearing on October 30 but also submitted detailed mitigation.

READ MORE: Four Plymouth Argyle games among latest Sky broadcast selections

READ MORE: Plymouth Argyle international round-up: Who plays where and when

The FA today said: "Plymouth Argyle FC has been fined £45,000 and warned as to its future conduct in relation to crowd control at its EFL Championship fixture against Hull City FC on Sunday 5 May 2024.

"It was alleged that the club failed to ensure that spectators and/or its supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don’t behave in an improper, threatening or provocative way; and don’t commit any form of pitch incursion.

"Plymouth Argyle FC admitted to this charge, but denied that the behaviour was threatening or provocative. An independent Regulatory Commission found the charge proven in full and imposed these sanctions following a hearing. Its written reasons for them will be published in due course."

In their club statement on Friday, Argyle said: "Following a regulatory hearing which met on 30 October, and having been charged on 9 September 2024, Argyle have been found to be in breach of Rule FA21 following a pitch incursion at the culmination of our Sky Bet Championship game against Hull City last season.

"It was alleged that Plymouth Argyle Football Club ‘failed to ensure that spectators and/or its supporters (and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion whilst attending the match and do not behave in a way which is improper, threatening or provocative; and/or encroach on to the pitch or commit any form of pitch incursion, contrary to FA Rules E21.1 and E21.3.’

"The club admitted the charge and provided a detailed statement in mitigation. Having considered the club’s submission, the FA have imposed a fine of £45,000 and warned the club over its future conduct.

"While we understand the joy we all felt after securing our Championship survival for another season, supporters were reminded before, during and after the game not to enter the field of play as it is a criminal offence and will bring charges to the football club.

"These charges are not budgeted for, and in line with our sustainable values, we will need to fund this significant fee out of the facilities improvement budget and in the worst-case scenario, from player trading.

"While we acknowledge the Green Army’s incredible support in good times, it is also important to recognise these moments where we are in breach of FA regulations and remind supporters of their responsibilities as custodians of Plymouth Argyle Football Club.

"The matter is now closed, and we look forward to hearing you loud and proud away at Derby this weekend, and throughout the rest of the season. The club will be making no further comment."

You can read more of our Argyle stories from Plymouth Live by clicking HERE