FA set to investigate Pitch Invasion

Last updated : 05 April 2006 By Editor
Oxford Mail:


OXFORD United will be contacted by the Football Association later this week to give their thoughts on Saturday's pitch invasion at Mansfield.


A small number of United 'supporters' caused a five-minute hold-up towards the end of the League Two match, which Oxford lost 1-0.

Having received the match referee's report, the FA are launching their own inquiry into the incident.

"The report that we have received from the referee explains that the Oxford United fans invaded the pitch towards the end of the match, holding up play for approximately five minutes," an FA spokesman said.

"We have written to Mansfield asking them for the exact details of the course of events, and have asked for more precise details on any arrests and individuals concerned.

"When we have received this information, we will contact Oxford.

"It is far too early, however, to speculate on what any punishment may be."

A club statement earlier in the week said that Oxford would "take the strongest possible action against fans found guilty of entering the field of play".

This could result in them facing a three-year ban from domestic and international matches