Derby County's urgent warning to fans ahead of Stoke City game

Derby County have issued a warning to supporters to stay off the Pride Park pitch this weekend when the team plays the final home game against Stoke City.

In a plea to fans, the Rams warned of the sanctions that could be faced if there was any breach of the rules and regulations.

In a frank and honest message, the club writes: "As the 2024/25 season draws to a close, Derby County are asking for your support to ensure that the actions of the minority do not spoil the game for all.

"In 2022, the club welcomed the launch of the Love Football, Protect the Game campaign, to ensure that football continues to provide a safe environment for everyone.

"Thanks to your support, and close collaboration with local agencies and supporter groups, this season has seen a nationwide reduction in incidents across the campaign’s key focus areas.

"These include pyrotechnics, football tragedy abuse, throwing of missiles and other abusive behaviour.

"However, we know that just one incident is too many, and can have a serious impact on both matchgoing supporters and those guilty of such behaviour, who face stadium bans, criminal records and other impacts on their education or employment.

"In different parts of the country, this season has seen supporters:

• Banned from attending football matches for five years and fined £2,000 for lighting a pyro in a stadium.

• Banned from attending football matches for three years for verbally abusing stadium staff.

• Banned from attending football matches for three years for a discriminatory social media post.

• Banned from attending football matches for three years for entering onto the pitch.

"The club wants everyone to play their part in ensuring the actions of the minority do not spoil the game for all. If you see dangerous, discriminatory or abusive behaviour, you can report it through club reporting channels on dcfc.co.uk , or to your nearest steward.

"The club also reminds all supporters, in the interests of safety for everyone, that the pitch is for managers, coaching staff, players and match officials, while the stands are for supporters.

"Pitch incursions are dangerous and anyone who encroaches onto the playing surface will face strong sanctions that could include a ban from attending matches and police action.

"We will conclude their 2024/25 Sky Bet Championship season at home to Stoke City on Saturday 3rd May (12:30pm kick-off) and supporters are reminded to abide by the ground regulations at all times at Pride Park Stadium.

"It is a criminal offence to enter onto the pitch and there could also be an impact on family members and Derby County itself, with the club potentially facing a significant six figure fine and other punitive measures via the football authorities such as a points deduction.

"A lap of appreciation is planned to take place shortly after the final whistle, allowing Head Coach John Eustace and the players to thank the fans for their backing during the season, but this will ONLY take place if the pitch remains clear of supporters.

"Should supporters enter the pitch, the lap of appreciation will NOT take place and deny the staff and players the opportunity to thank fans for their incredible backing throughout the campaign.

"Thank you for your amazing support during the season, but PLEASE KEEP OFF THE PITCH."

Last season, Reading faced a suspended three-point deduction for fans running on the pitch and stopping a game being played and Portsmouth also faced a significant fine and sanction earlier this season for events at the end of last season.

The Rams are one point above the relegation zone ahead of facing Stoke and Back-to-back wins over West Brom and Hull City in their last two matches have given their hopes of staying in the Championship a major boost, but Eustace insists everyone inside the club is keeping a level head as they prepare for a final day showdown with the Potters.

Derby are one point and one place behind Stoke, in 19th, and they are level on points with both Preston (20th) and Luton Town (21st), while they are one point above Hull, who are currently in the drop zone, in 22nd place.

Will the Rams stay in the Championship? Tell us HERE

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