Statement by BCFC
In acknowledgement of potential supporter actions surrounding Birmingham City’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against West Bromwich Albion, the Club has issued the following statement.
The Club supports the right to safe protest and recognises the frustrations that have led to groups and individuals exploring options to express their personal feelings.
The safety of supporters attending St. Andrew’s remains a priority and so it is necessary to highlight the dangers of attempting to enter the field of play, particularly via the lower tiers of the Tilton Road stand and Kop stand.
To be clear, supporters are not permitted to enter the lower tiers of the Tilton Road and Kop stands. Whilst covered, they remain an active construction site and carry a substantial risk of injury should spectators attempt to enter this area.
The advertising banners currently covering the lower tiers would not support the weight of a supporter and are only in place to protect the exposed scaffolding beneath. Impact from landing on the scaffolding from the height of the fencing which borders the lower tiers, could result in serious injury.
The backing from our supporters continues to benefit the team and Saturday’s full-time scenes at Swansea City was the latest example of this. Therefore, it is now an appropriate juncture to remind supporters that if choosing to protest, this does not negatively impact the 90 minutes of football.
Furthermore, the Club wishes to remind spectators that entering the field of play is a criminal offence and could lead to Football Banning Orders or civil stadiums bans, with two supporters identified who encroached onto the pitch during the Sky Bet Championship match with Preston North End subject to sanctions.
Finally, Birmingham City reiterates its stance of supporting the right for safe protest, however, any demonstration should not jeopardise the safety of supporters, players, staff or match officials.
Thank you for your continued support.
