1. A thorough investigative review of the initial information or complaint and, in extreme circumstances, a 'Temporary Sanction’ may be applied. If the Club reasonably believes that a ticket has been offered for sale over face value, the use of bots/software has been used to purchase tickets, there is a genuine risk of reoffending and/or any health or safety risk to supporters, staff or members of the police then the Club reserves the right to impose a temporary sanction prior to making any further decisions2. If the Club, following its initial investigation determines that the facts require further investigation or further information is needed then a letter will be sent to the supporter outlining the alleged conduct or incident with facts surrounding the case and a response will be requested. This letter will provide enough information to allow a supporter to respond with their version of events and will request a response within 14 days of the date of the letter (and will also inform of any temporary sanction if applied).3. The supporter will be provided with a dedicated email address/postal address to submit all responses and once any response is received will be provided with a dedicated case worker who can provide further information in connection with the sanction process and the progress of their case. <a href="https://lfcdxp.prod.acquia-sites.com/sites/default/files/2022-07/Offence%20Groupings%20and%20Potential%20Sanctions.pdf" class="cta" target="_blank">Offence Groupings and Potential Sanctions.pdf</a>

Step One - The Investigation Process 

1. If the investigation concludes that a review by the 'Sanction Panel' (made up of a cross section of Club employees) is needed, then this will be arranged.2. If the investigation concludes that no further action is required then the supporter will be informed of the same via letter or email.3.The Sanction Panel will review all facts surrounding the proposed offence including but not limited to the response of the supporter as referred to in point 2 of Step One.4. The sanction to be applied is decided upon by the Sanction Panel (which can include no further action) and will be communicated to the supporter, with clear guidelines on how to conduct an appeal against the sanction applied.5. Prior to making any appeal the supporter will be offered the right to request the evidence on which the Club has based its decision in order to allow the individual to consider this when they submit an appeal. The Club will provide all the requested evidence within the parameters of data protection laws within 14 days of the receipt by the Club of the request for such evidence.6. If the supporter requests this information, then the time limit for appeal will commence from the date the supporter receives the requested evidence.

Step Two - The Sanction Panel 

1. If an appeal is initiated by a supporter then the case will be reviewed by an Appeal Panel.2. The Appeal Panel will consist of at least two senior individuals employed by the Club and one independent third party member.3. All appeals are documentary only, unless communicated otherwise by the Club to the supporter.4. The supporter will have 14 days to commence an appeal, from either:i. the date of the letter outlining the outcome of the Sanction Panel (Step Two, point 4) if no additional evidence is requested; orii. the date the requested evidence is provided by the Club (where evidence has been requested as per Step Two, point 6).5. The Appeal Panel will review the appeal documentation provided by the supporter and will aim to conduct the appeal within 14 days of the receipt by the Club of the supporter's appeal documentation. All outcomes of any appeal will be provided to the supporter in writing.6. If the supporter is not satisfied with the outcome of the Appeal Panel then the supporter will be offered the chance to submit their case to the Independent Football Ombudsman for review at contact@theifo.co.uk.

Step Three - The Appeals Process 

Written/Verbal Warning - issued in writing and/or in person.1 to 3 Match Suspension - suspended from purchasing tickets from the Club and attending all Club matches at the Stadium for the duration of the suspension. If the supporter is a season ticket holder or member then the season ticket or member card and the account will be suspended and therefore cannot be used during the suspension period. The season ticket or member card and the account will be reactivated upon the expiry of the suspension (with previous credit history maintained).1 Year Suspension suspended from purchasing tickets from the Club and attending all Club matches at the Stadium for the duration of the suspension. If the supporter is a season ticket holder or member then the season ticket or member card and the account will be suspended and therefore cannot be used during the suspension period. The season ticket or member card and the account will be reactivated upon the expiry of the suspension (with previous credit history maintained).Over and above 1 Year Suspension suspended from purchasing tickets from the Club and attending all Club matches at the Stadium for the duration of the suspension. If the supporter is a season ticket holder then the supporter will lose the right to automatically apply for a season ticket and must join any waiting list that may exist at the time the sanction has expired. If the supporter is a member then the supporter will not maintain credits for the period during which the member is subject to the suspension.Indefinite Suspension - suspended from purchasing tickets from the Club and attending all Club matches at the Stadium for the duration of the suspension. If the supporter is a season ticket holder then the supporter will lose the right to automatically apply for a season ticket and must join any waiting list that may exist at the time the sanction has expired (if the indefinite nature of the suspension is ever reduced). If the supporter is a member then the supporter will not maintain credits for the period during which the member is subject to the suspension.Club Lifetime Ban - banned from all Club property, as well as being banned from purchasing tickets/attending all matches played by the Club for the lifetime of the individual. Once imposed the ban will be officially communicated in writing to the individual explaining the parameters of such ban. If the supporter is a season ticket holder then the supporter will lose the right to automatically apply for a season ticket and must join any waiting list that may exist at the time the sanction has expired (if the indefinite nature of the suspension is ever reduced). If the supporter is a member then the supporter will not maintain credits for the period during which the member is subject to the suspension.In addition to the above sanctions, the Club will consider if any education should be offered to the supporter in connection with the offence committed.

Explanation of Sanctions 

Note 1 - The Club will undertake its investigation and apply a sanction independent to any action/sanction applied by the police and/or other relevant authorities. The Club may provide/receive relevant information to/from the Police and/or other relevant authorities to assist with their investigations.Note 2 - Examples of the factors which may be considered by the sanction panel when applying any sanction shall include but not be limited to: any previous offence committed by the supporter, any sanctions that have been applied other football clubs, age of the supporter, multiple offences committed in one incident, safety risk to other individuals and intent. The panel will also consider any reasonable mitigation offered forward by the supporter when deciding the level of sanction applicable in the circumstances.Note 3 - The sanctions are a benchmark only. The Club may impose alternative sanctions depending on the individual circumstances of the case.Note 4 - Any supporter issued with a sanction by the Club further to this sanction process and procedure shall not automatically be entitled to any refunds unless the Club informs the relevant supporter otherwise.Note 5 - All formal correspondence shall be provided to the supporter via post and email (unless informed otherwise or due to factors outside the Club’s control (for example COVID-19 implications) to the details which are registered on the supporter’s account. The Club reserves the right to change this guide from time to time making any such changes clear on its website.