Spectators who disrupt play by encroaching onto the Edgbaston pitch run the risk of being arrested and spending the night in a police cell.
“It might seem like a bit of fun,” said Edgbaston Chief Executive Stuart Cain, “but running onto the pitch during a game is a criminal offence. It can have serious consequences.”
Three men found that to their cost on Saturday (1 June) after running onto the pitch at Bears’ Vitality Blast game against Notts Outlaws.
The men aged 33, 38 and 39 were arrested by police on suspicion of aggravated trespass and interviewed under police caution before being released the following day.
Cain added: “People come to watch the Bears and England at Edgbaston as they want to be entertained, they want to have fun in a fantastic atmosphere.
“But that can’t spill over into pitch invasions. It delays the action, impacts the flow of the game, and could potentially lead to themselves, stewards or players being injured.
“So we’d just ask spectators to think twice and to enjoy the game from the stands.”
The men arrested were given a community resolution which includes paying to attend an awareness course.
Inspector Richard Cox from West Midlands Police, said: “The men fully admitted the offence and were of previously good character. As such, we felt an out-of-court disposal was the most appropriate way of dealing with the matter.
“However, every case will be reviewed individually and anyone trespassing onto the pitch runs the risk of being taken to court, which can obviously have long lasting implications.
“These men spent the night in police cells, not a good way to end what should have been an enjoyable day at the cricket.
“Please don’t think it’s just a laugh and you’ll be shown back to your seat. Invading the pitch is an offence and can have serious consequences.”
It follows another incident on 25 May when a protestor emerged from the crowd and sprinted towards players during the men’s England vs Pakistan IT20.
He was also arrested and later given a conditional caution.
