Birmingham Edgbaston ban for 'disgraceful' cricket pitch invaders

[dutchman]

Students have been blamed for a pitch-invasion that saw hundreds of people storm the Edgbaston cricket ground



They included a number in fancy dress in what looked a party atmosphere after the Birmingham Bears' defeat to Derbyshire Falcons on Thursday evening.

Strict government restrictions regulate the admission of fans at matches, with social distancing measures in place.

Warwickshire County Cricket Club said it would be reviewing the incident and would ban those responsible for life.

It follows complaints from Durham fans about the behaviour of some students at their T20 match against Northamptonshire Steelbacks a day earlier - particularly regarding social distancing.

Warwickshire CC Chief Executive Stuart Cain described the scenes in Birmingham as "heart-breaking" and apologised to "the majority of spectators who respected social distancing measures".

He said the behaviour "of a small number of students after the match finished was disgraceful" and that a third-party promoter working with three universities had been made aware of social distancing requirements as well as all ticket-holders.

"They [social distancing measures] were then enforced as best as possible on the evening by stewards who worked incredibly hard to manage their behaviour," Mr Cain said.

"Messages were repeatedly broadcast over the PA system and screens, and pitch invaders ejected. They will receive a life ban if identified."

Mr Cain also said the club would not work again with Invades, the company which arranged the student-promotion.

In an online advert, the firm promised students "free flowing pints" and a "Summer Day Party from the gods".

The University of Warwick said it was "actively investigating whether any of our students were involved".

Harper Adams University said: "We do not condone the behaviour reported and investigations have already begun to identify whether any of our students were involved. We will then be instigating our full disciplinary processes where necessary."

It also said neither it, nor the students' union had been involved in the arrangements.