Chelsea ban issued after 'criminal' Newcastle United incident

Chelsea have issued a stadium ban to the fan who ran on the pitch and confronted Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka during the club's Carabao Cup quarter-final win last month.

A mistake from Kieran Trippier saw Mykhailo Mudryk score a 92nd minute equaliser and send the game to penalties. During the celebrations, a supporter jumped onto the pitch from the Matthew Harding Stand and barged into Dubravka.

The fan then returned to his seat without much resistance from the matchday stewards, leading Chelsea and the Metropolitan Police to launch an investigation

A Chelsea statement read: “At a recent fixture, a supporter tried to enter the field of play. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all fans that Chelsea Football Club has a zero-tolerance approach to any supporters attempting to come onto the pitch at home and away matches.

“The club has suspended a season ticket holder and is now supporting the police with the criminal investigation. Chelsea FC takes the safety of supporters, players and staff extremely seriously, and any supporter who comes onto the pitch for any reason will be subject to bans from the club, and, as it is a criminal offence, potential police and court action.

“This also includes any adults who are responsible for any children that encroach the pitch. We thank supporters in advance for helping to keep themselves, and others safe.”

Managers of both clubs Mauricio Pochettino and Eddie Howe, who was confronted by a fan during a 2-2 draw at Leeds United in May, condemned the incident.

Pochettino said: "Always I think we need to be careful and fans need to be careful. I don't like this type of thing because I think it is a thing that can put in danger the players.

"I am disappointed, I don't agree with this type of thing that happened in football here and in Stamford Bridge and the same if it happened in another stadium. Disappointed with this type of thing because it's so dangerous and hope it doesn't happen again."

Howe added: “I have always said that the safety of players, coaches, managers, referees, linesmen that’s the priority in any football match. So more has to be done to keep especially irate supporters away from the pitch.”