AN Oxford United fan who invaded the pitch during Saturday’s game against Sheffield Wednesday has been banned from attending football matches for three years.

The supporter ran on to the field in the second half of the U’s 3-2 win at the Kassam Stadium and has already been notified of the punishment.

Meanwhile, United will work with Thames Valley Police after two stewards needed hospital treatment following ‘serious incidents’ in the away section. This involved Wednesday fans only.

The U’s have asked supporters to ensure matches are a ‘safe and welcoming environment for all’ after issues at the previous Saturday’s game at Wycombe Wanderers.

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Both clubs are working with the police to review evidence following allegations of homophobic chanting by a ‘very small minority’ of away fans in the second half.

That came minutes before a spectator broke away from the home terrace and ran almost the full length of the pitch, via an altercation with United left back Steve Seddon.

The 18-year-old, from Thame, was banned from Adams Park for life.

Wycombe also confirmed to the Oxford Mail this week that they have identified the fan who pushed Gavin Whyte late in the fixture and are taking ‘appropriate action’.

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Both individuals had no previous ticket history at Adams Park, the club said.

It comes after the head of the UK’s Football Policing Unit said fan disorder across the country is ‘getting worse’.

In the first half of this season, there were 802 football-related arrests across the top five English leagues.

This was an increase of 40 per cent from 2019/20 – the last campaign without Covid restrictions.

Meanwhile, there were 759 reported incidents of disorder, a climb of 36 per cent on 2019/20.

United said in a statement: “We love the passion and the support our fans give us but we ask everyone to please stay off the pitch and behave.

“With recent evidence of increasing disorder at some football matches since the lifting of lockdown, we would like to ensure that this trend doesn't affect our own games.”

The club added: “We thank the vast majority of fans who give the team amazing support home and away, and we note that half of the incidents above involved fans from our opponents, but the other two did not and we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that Oxford United matches remain safe and welcoming for all.”