FA confirm Leeds pitch invasion probe

THE Football Association have confirmed that they are to investigate the pitch invasion which marred Leeds United's match with Ipswich Town on Saturday.

By Elvin King

THE Football Association have confirmed that they are to investigate the pitch invasion which marred Leeds United's match with Ipswich Town on Saturday.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw and all but relegated Leeds, but the final whistle was delayed as the players were forced off. Numerous incidents occurred in and around Elland Road and the FA will formally look into the trouble.

“In the first instance it's a criminal offence to encroach on the pitch and we will be liaising with the police on that matter,” said FA spokesman Mark Hooper.

“We will be making various inquiries. We will wait to see the reports from our crowd observers and the referee's match report and will also be seeking observations from the club as to what happened.

“We will work with the relevant authorities and see if the police are taking any action.

“It's too early to say what action the FA would find appropriate, but it would be very unusual for that to be a points deduction.

“It's more likely any individual found guilty of an offence will be banned and we'd make sure the club is taking the right steps to ensure it doesn't happen again.”