Aston Villa have warned against a potential pitch invasion following the return leg of the play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough tonight.
Aston Villa could secure their position in the Championship play-off final tonight if they see off Middlesbrough similarly to the first leg, but the club have stressed the point that a pitch invasion will have consequences, via the club’s official website.
Steve Bruce’s outfit come into the home fixture full of confidence and holding a 1-0 lead, after former Crystal Palace ace Mile Jedinak’s emphatic header secured a pivotal win for the Villains at the Riverside Stadium.
The clash at Villa Park tonight sold out rapidly for tickets and it’s safe to say the atmosphere will be electric come kick-off at 7:45pm. However, the club has asserted that boundaries must be adhered to despite the highly emotional circumstances.
“We appreciate the game will be a cauldron of emotion throughout the 90 minutes but we’re urging our fans to respect the ground regulations and consider the potential wider consequences of such action to themselves and Aston Villa,” an official statement on the club website reads.
“Please remember that those who encroach on the pitch risk banning orders as well as a criminal conviction, while the club itself could also face significant penalties as a result.”
With a trip to Wembley looming and a place in next season’s Premier League on the line, emotions will be at an all time high, and we have seen multiple pitch invasions as of late as supporters of various teams celebrate their end of season success.
Villa’s opponents Middlesbrough invaded the pitch when they secured a playoff spot after defeating Millwall, and Villa officials will be hoping they do not see similar scenes if Bruce’s men triumph over the Teesside club.
The winner of the tie will face Fulham in the final, who beat Derby County 2-0 on Monday night to win 2-1 on aggregate.
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