Doncaster make plea to fans after incidents during match leads to punishment from FA

Doncaster Rovers make a plea to fans after incidents during a match against Barrow in 2024 leads to punishment from FA.

During that game, which was a a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory for Donny, some supporters invaded the pitch after late goals secured a ninth consecutive win.

One notable incident however involved a fan confronting the Barrow goalkeeper, leading to crowd disorder that marred the match.

As a result, the FA have charged Doncaster Rovers with failing to control their supporters, alleging that the club did not ensure fans conducted themselves in an orderly manner or refrained from improper, threatening, or provocative behaviour, including pitch incursions.

The club cooperated fully with the FA’s lengthy investigation and, on March 18th, 2025, announced they had been fined £11,500.

It’s been noted that the punishment could have been more severe and emphasised that their management of matchdays at the Eco-Power Stadium would now be under close scrutiny.

STATEMENT | We can confirm that the club have received a fine from the Football Association following crowd disorder during last season’s match against Barrow at the Eco-Power Stadium

Read more https://t.co/VhWmvOaRuP

#drfc pic.twitter.com/Ga2gLal9UQ

— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) March 18, 2025

CLUB STATEMENT:

We can confirm that the club have received a fine from the Football Association following crowd disorder during last season’s match against Barrow at the Eco-Power Stadium.

During the Sky Bet League Two fixture on April 20, 2024, multiple pitch incursions took place; one of which involved a confrontation between a supporter and the Barrow goalkeeper. Following the game, the club received a FA charge with a long-running investigation with which the club cooperated fully.

The conclusion of disciplinary proceedings saw Rovers handed a £15,000 fine, reduced to £11,500.

We appreciate the punishment imposed could have been much more severe in the circumstances and are mindful that our management of matchdays at the stadium will be closely observed from now on.

We are approaching the most emotive time of the season, particularly given our push for automatic promotion. There will no doubt be several high-stakes, stirring matchdays at the Eco-Power Stadium over the next two months.

We ask, in the most strong of terms, that our supporters abide by regulations when attending matches. Clear guidance of what is and is not acceptable has been provided and will be reiterated on multiple occasions before each game.

Should we face further FA charges for crowd disorder, the sanctions imposed will be much greater and threaten to cause real damage to the club, whether financial, reputational or to our points total.

Those supporters who breach regulations face club bans and legal proceedings, and the club will work closely with South Yorkshire Police to ensure those guilty are punished.

Together, let us ensure the end to the season is a memorable one, and for all the right reasons.

Doncaster Rovers celebrating coming back from 2-0 to win 4-2 at home to Barrow today #DRFC

They have won 9 games in a row pic.twitter.com/vehzPnhbs4

— FootballAwaydays (@Awaydays23) April 20, 2024

Statement from the Football Association:

An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed an £11,500 fine and warning on Doncaster Rovers for misconduct in relation to crowd control at their EFL League Two fixture against Barrow on Saturday 20 April 2024.

The FA alleged that the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don’t behave in an improper, threatening or provocative way; and/or commit any form of pitch incursion.

Doncaster Rovers subsequently admitted the charge. The Regulatory Commission imposed the club’s sanctions following a hearing.

Social media users reacted as Doncaster make a plea to fans after incidents during the match leads to punishment from FA…

@glosterred: Hope those responsible for the disorder would like to consider contributing to the club to help pay the fine. No didn’t think so #DRFC

@DaleJayden45662: If we win automatic promotion we will be on the pitch when the game ends no matter where we are sat

David Bailey: It’s sad when the fans get involved with player confrontations and pitch invasions. Money rovers don’t need to be spending on fines because some fans cannot behave. I have owned a security, stewarding & events companies for over 25 years, I think the club needs to look at the training and standards of security employed at the club or make sure that the staff or fit for purpose.

Karl Sowerby: Oh no will this affect the family club of the year award… I can’t believe some if the comments I’m reading.. OK yes it’s a fine the Club could do without but it was about the moment the passion. Nothing else ..and I can guarantee you all now if we go up it will happen again ..

Kris Thompson: It’s time the idiots took stock & saw how much money they actually cause THEIR club to pay by being so idiotic for a few moments glory.

Robert Ghosh: Easy way to pay this off, announce a new club policy that if any opposition fans at our ground enter our pitch it will result in a fine for that club. Make it £20k and we could even make a tidy profit. Bradford lot will be on our pitch if they carry on their form.

Mark Caudwell: make the idiots pay it that ran on the pitch