FA to get tough following weekend of crowd trouble

The Football Association is to have talks with clubs and police chiefs following a weekend of crowd-related incidents in the FA Cup fifth round.

Violent clashes between Everton and Manchester Utd fans resulted in 33 arrests and injuries to five police officers following the match in which Manchester Utd goalkeeper, Roy Carroll was struck by a coin thrown by a member of the crowd.

The match – which kicked off at 1730 – marked Wayne Rooney's return to Goodison Park and has raised questions about the timing of potentially explosive games.

Everton have confirmed that the supporter who threw a coin at Carroll will receive an immediate life ban once identified.

At Turf Moor, Burnley’s match against local rivals Blackburn was marred by another coin throwing incident – at Burnley player, Jean Louis Valois – and the invasion of the pitch by three Burnley fans, who threatened Blackburn midfielder, Robbie Savage.

FA chief executive, Brian Barwick said: "Let's be clear, missile throwing and pitch invasions are not only unacceptable, they are also a criminal offence.

" We welcome the prompt action taken by the Burnley magistrates to jail Michael Lewis [one of the three pitch invaders] for five months today."

“These mindless individuals must be banned from attending all football in this country and abroad.”