The club would like to remind supporters that the posession or use of pyrotechnics at matches is a criminal offence.
It’s been more common over the last couple of seasons for people – particularly younger people – to bring in and set off pyrotechnics like smoke bombs and flares. These devices have caused discomfort and alarm for thousands of supporters and they’ve also caused a range of injuries like burns and breathing difficulties. And, of course, the possession or use of pyrotechnic devices in or near football grounds is a criminal offence.And this is why. Pyrotechnic devices contain chemicals that burn at very high temperatures and are designed to be difficult to extinguish. They produce smoke that can cause breathing difficulties for everyone and are particularly dangerous for people with asthma. They’re a serious health and safety risk for supporters and match officials alike, and a disaster waiting to happen.
Fact #1
The suffocating smoke from flares and smoke bombs can leave supporters fighting for breath
Fact #2
A burning flare can reach the temperature of 1600°C — extreme enough to melt most metal
Fact #3
Bringing flares or smoke bombs to a game could get you a criminal record and a ban
Fact #4
Smoke from pyros could stop you seeing the best goal your team will ever score
Fact #5
Smoke billowing across the pitch can affect the play — or even cause the game to be delayed
Fact #6
Flares contain burning metals so any injury caused by them is likely to be extreme
Fact #7
Flares and smoke bombs can trigger panic in a tightly packed crowd
Fact #8
Flares and smoke bombs are still hot enough to injure and start fires long after they have gone out
There’s been a big increase in pyrotechnic incidents across all leagues. Championship matches have seen a 293% increase in reported incidents in comparison with last season, with League 2 reporting a staggering 340% increase. If this continues, the risk of more injuries, more arrests and the potential for a major incident can only increase.
Everyone involved in football – supporters, players, officials, leagues, police and even pyrotechnics manufacturers – are opposed to pyrotechnic use at games. Pyrotechnics are banned from grounds for good reason – to maintain a safe and hazard-free environment so that everyone can enjoy the match. Let’s keep it that way.