As we approach the end of another fantastic season in the Sky Bet Championship, everyone connected to Luton Town is looking forward to one of the biggest matches in Hatters history with the Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Sunderland at Kenilworth Road.
Just nine years after we won promotion back to the EFL, we have recorded our highest league position for 31 years to improve our standing in English football’s rankings for a seventh successive season to stand potentially 180 minutes away from the Premier League.
The noise and atmosphere you create in the stands at the Kenny has been crucial to that rise, and Rob Edwards, his staff and the players speak regularly of how that backing – both at home and away – has contributed immensely to the 50 points gained from 25 league matches since the World Cup break.
Now it all comes down to one final game here at Kenilworth Road, and with the eyes of the football world on our much-loved home ground, we would like to remind supporters of some crucial information to help the evening run smoothly.
PRE-MATCH
Please arrive in plenty of time for Tuesday’s match and be prepared to be searched before entering the stadium.
All supporters are reminded that throwing any object onto the field of play, whether at home or away matches, is against the law and will lead to individual prosecution and also the Club being sanctioned by The FA.
This includes smoke devices and pyros, the possession of which in recent weeks has already resulted in supporters being issued with a Club ban from attending matches, as well as being the subject of Police action.
Please also be advised that anyone deemed to be intoxicated through alcohol or drugs will also be refused entry.
POST-MATCH
At the end of last season, some Clubs witnessed unsavoury and unwelcome scenes with a small minority of people entering the field of play whilst other fans took to the pitch in celebratory mood. Our own players, staff and fans experienced it first-hand at more than one away ground, with some suffering injury as a result.
As we witnessed last season, pitch incursions can be dangerous and anyone who encroaches onto the playing surface will face strong sanctions that could also include a nationwide ban from attending football matches, including here at Kenilworth Road, potential along with police action.
We wish to advise you that it is a criminal offence to enter the pitch and the real-life consequences for these actions have been felt by many with some fans receiving criminal records which can impact employment, education prospects and international travel.
It is not only yourself that can be disciplined. There could also be an impact on your family members and a significant impact on Luton Town Football Club.
REPERCUSSIONS
Following the pitch incursion that we witnessed first-hand at the final whistle of our play-off semi-final last season, Huddersfield Town were fined £70,000.
As a Club we are already under scrutiny from the Football Association for multiple smoke devices, missiles thrown and pitch incursions during the Watford match, as well as a single smoke device and a missile thrown in the away game at Reading.
Therefore, any repeat offence could lead to strong sanctions that do penalise the club, despite actions being deemed to be of a celebratory nature.
For a club like ours, with one of the smallest playing budgets in the Championship, a substantial fine could be the difference between signing a player this summer or not.
Our plea to you is to keep the pitch for players and the stand for spectators and avoid any unnecessary distractions from what might well prove to be the most special time in Luton Town Football’s Club’s history.
Why risk missing out on a potential day out at Wembley, should we be winners on Tuesday night?
Why then risk missing out on seeing your team back in the top-flight for the first time in the Premier League era, should we be fortunate enough to get promoted?
Please remain in your seat to show Rob, Richie, Trolls and the team your love and appreciation in the right way, while respecting our visitors, who have had a great first season back in the Championship themselves, and with whom we share a love for one of their own in Big Mick.
We thank you for your unbelievable support over a truly memorable campaign, and for your understanding ahead of what could be one of the most famous nights yet under the old girl’s lights.
Love Football, Protect the Game – and COYH!