Exclusive: EFL, police to investigate after chaotic Walsall v Chesterfield scenes
Walsall’s League Two play-off victory against Chesterfield will be investigated by the EFL following an early pitch invasion, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the local police will use video footage to determine what the punishment should be following the scenes at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
The Spireites were already two goals down heading into the second leg of the play-off semi-finals on Thursday, 16 May, needing an incredible comeback to reach the final at Wembley Stadium.
While Paul Cook’s side had plenty of chances, it was the Saddlers who struck first in the 81st minute through Charlie Lakin, with Levi Amantchi cancelling Armando Dobra’s consolation just one minute later.
Levi Amantchi sparks early pitch invasion in Walsall victory
The goal, following amazing footwork from Albert Adomah, sparked pandemonium in the crowd, which quickly spilt onto the pitch and stopped play from restarting until all supporters were back in the stands.
Cook screamed for his Chesterfield players to return to the tunnel, most likely for their own safety, with referee Ben Toner waiting patiently to blow his whistle and play out the remaining few seconds of the clash.
Eventually, play restarted, only for the celebrations to begin just moments later, but Hackett believes that an investigation will still take place, and the police will be involved in the proceedings.
This comes just two days after Owen Moxon avoided a sending-off during Stockport County‘s League One play-off semi-final defeat to Leyton Orient at Edgeley Park.
Keith Hackett condemns League Two pitch invasion
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said:
“Clearly, the EFL will hold an investigation regarding the pitch invasion and the action taken by the referee, which, in the circumstances, is entirely correct.
“It is an offence for a spectator to run onto the field of play, so video footage from television and any other cameras will be used by the police to determine what course of action they should take.
“One also must ask the question, ‘Where are the police and stewards, and did they have sufficient numbers?’ The game needed to be brought to a conclusion, and the full amount of playing time needed to be played.”
Walsall are now set to face either Notts County or Wimbledon in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium on Monday, 26 May, with the Spireites remaining in League Two for another season.