Eddie Howe fears football could be heading for a tragedy if it doesn't get tough and clamp down on pitch-invading supporters who have brought shame on the game.
The Newcastle manager delivered the stark warning after a week of ugly scenes that have marred matches across the country, culminating in a post-match altercation when Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira was confronted and provoked into a furious reaction by an Everton-supporting yob on Thursday.
Following a recent spate of unsavoury incidents, Sportsmail can report:
- Police chief Mark Roberts warned clubs may now need to put up barriers to prevent fans getting on the pitch;
- Vieira faces an FA charge amid Palace fury about the behaviour of Everton fans and handling of the first pitch invasion;
- Everton are also in the dock and subject of a wide-ranging investigation into the behaviour of their supporters;
- The FA pledged to review their rules in a bid to tackle the growing crisis and challenged clubs to step up their efforts in the fight to tackle the escalating crisis;
- Players and managers expressed fears about their safety, lack of security in grounds and concerns about what else fans can smuggle in as well as sneaking in flares;
- A man was arrested and interviewed after Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie appeared to stamp on a supporter during play-off pitch invasion.