Lincoln City have warned that further supporter misconduct could expose the club to a partial stadium closure. The stark warning follows a pitch incursion during Saturday's home defeat to Swansea City, a result that leaves the Imps in the Championship standings with points from games.
The club stated it is deeply disappointed and angered by the actions of an individual who entered the field of play. Footage of the incident circulated on social media during the match, which saw Reeco Hackett-Fairchild score a penalty before Swansea struck twice after half-time. The defeat extends a concerning recent run of form, with the team now having lost three of their last four league matches.
Lincoln City are already subject to an FA Action Plan running until the end of a future season due to previous supporter misconduct charges. In a statement, the club highlighted the severity of the ongoing situation. When the club was last sanctioned by the FA, the independent Regulatory Commission stated that it had given very serious thought to a partial stadium closure, Lincoln City said. Further supporter misconduct could expose the club to more severe sanctions, including the closure of sections of the stadium, which would punish thousands of supporters who have done nothing wrong.
The club confirmed a full review is underway and that it will fully support Lincolnshire Police with any investigation. It also pledged to take its own disciplinary action. Separate from any police or court action, the club will apply the strongest sanction available under its supporter sanctions policy, the statement added.
No closure has been announced or sanctioned at this stage. Supporters have been urged to report any behaviour that puts people or the club at risk to a steward or via QR codes around the ProAmpac Stadium. The club described the atmosphere at Sincil Bank as special and said it must be protected.
The incident casts a shadow as the team prepares for its next Championship fixtures away to Sheffield United. The club currently has one player, Tendayi Darikwa, listed on its injuries page. The team's overall defensive statistics, which can be viewed on the club's stats page, will be under scrutiny as they aim to bounce back from this difficult period both on and off the pitch.
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