THE English Football League (EFL) will discuss with clubs about introducing tougher sanctions for pitch invasions next season.

EFL CEO Trevor Birch today penned an open letter to fans following several instances of ‘ugly and unacceptable’ behaviour in the final weeks of the 2021/22 campaign.

Arguably the most shocking incident saw a Nottingham Forest supporter jailed for 24 weeks after he headbutted Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp at the end of their Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final.

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In the letter, Birch acknowledged most fans enter the pitch to celebrate but he warned recent incursions cannot be repeated to ensure the safety of players, staff and officials.

The EFL board is due to meet on June 8, two days before the league’s annual general meeting.

Birch wrote: “While some suggest that pitch invasions are harmless in the main, the reality is that they are facilitating unacceptable behaviour by providing cover for the reckless few seeking to cause harm.

“There can be no blurring of the lines or ambiguity with this matter. Simply put, the pitch is for participants and the stands for spectators.

“The EFL will be working with the various authorities on a series of measures during the close season to help reinforce that message and address the challenge that is being presented to the game.

“As part of this work the introduction of tougher but proportionate sanctions will now also have to be considered with your respective club in the early part of next month.

“For our part, we will need to discuss what further measures could be introduced for the new season, including the potential use of capacity reductions, financial penalties, or other similar mitigations.”

READ MORE: Life ban for pitch invader at Oxford United game

Oxford United issued an appeal to fans in January after pitch invasions at successive games earlier that month.

The 2-0 defeat at Wycombe Wanderers was marred by a spectator running from the home end onto the playing surface during the second half.

He sprinted almost the full length of the pitch, entered into an altercation with U’s left back Steve Seddon and goaded the away fans before being collared by stewards.

The spectator, an 18-year-old from Thame, was banned from Adams Park for life and received a conditional caution.

He had no previous ticket history at the stadium and no affiliation to United.

The following week, a U’s supporter invaded the pitch during the club’s 3-2 win over Sheffield Wednesday at the Kassam Stadium.

James Mclaughlan, 26, was banned from attending matches for three years, fined £500 and ordered to pay £135 in costs and surcharge as a result.

United released a statement following the incidents, saying: “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.”