Blackpool hit by FA charge following on-pitch fan protest against Karl Oyston

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/may/20/blackpool-fa-charge-pitch-protest-karl-oyston

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Blackpool have been charged by the FA after their Championship match against Huddersfield on 2 May was abandoned due to an on-pitch fan protest.

The game on the final day of the season was called off in the 48th minute after Blackpool fans staged a protest against owner Karl Oyston in the centre circle.

The referee, Mick Russell, was forced to take the players off the pitch with the score at 0-0 and after the game was held up for more than an hour, the decision was taken to call it off.

Crowd erupt as a man on a mobility scooter joins in the protest. pic.twitter.com/Gk8Gx6VQHJ

Blackpool, who announced on Tuesday that they had released 17 members of their squad following relegation, have been charged with failing to ensure their supporters did not encroach on to the playing area, and have until 28 May to respond.

An FA statement read: “Blackpool have been charged in relation to crowd incidents during the second half of their match against Huddersfield Town at Bloomfield Road on 2 May 2015.

“It is alleged the club failed to ensure that no spectators or unauthorised persons were permitted to encroach on to the pitch area whilst attending this fixture, resulting in its abandonment. Blackpool have until 28 May 2015 to respond.”

Blackpool are also facing a Football League charge for failing to fulfil the fixture and that case will be subject to a football disciplinary commission.

The Football League has already ruled on the outcome of the game as it announced the result will stand at 0-0, meaning the relegated Seasiders finished the 2014-15 campaign with a meagre 26 points.