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Summit to discuss Scottish football's pyro problem
"Taking pyrotechnics into a football stadium is not only an offence, it is extremely dangerous. It is tremendously disappointing and worrying that despite repeated warning about the risk, these are still brought to matches. Luckily there were no reports of any injuries, however the consequences could have been much worse. It's only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured."
The increasing use of fireworks and flares at Scottish football grounds is to be discussed at a meeting later this month, BBC Scotland News has learned.
It comes after Wednesday night’s match between Dundee and Rangers had to be paused for 18 minutes after Rangers fans let off flares in the stands.
Dens Park was engulfed in smoke, setting off a fire alarm and forcing the players off the pitch.
The game resumed when the smoke cleared, with Rangers winning 5-0.
Kick-off in the Scottish Premiership fixture had already been delayed by 45 minutes after the Rangers team got stuck in traffic on their way to Dundee, with the game – which had been due to kick-off at 19:45 – eventually finishing at about 22:40.
A spokesperson for the SPFL said: “The extensive use of pyrotechnics at the match at Dens Park is very concerning and unwelcome.
“The disruption to the game is obviously extremely regrettable. We await the delegate report and will be liaising with Police Scotland on the incident.”
Managers of both clubs have condemned those involved.
The Football Safety Officers Association is to hold a meeting later this month with league bosses, Police Scotland and representatives of the Scottish government to discuss the issue, with pyrotechnics becoming an increasingly common sight in Scottish football grounds in recent years.
Police Scotland said no arrests were made at Wednesday night’s game but added they are working with both clubs to identify those responsible.
Supt Iain Wales said: “Taking pyrotechnics into a football stadium is not only an offence, it is extremely dangerous.
“It is tremendously disappointing and worrying that despite repeated warning about the risk, these are still brought to matches.
“Luckily there were no reports of any injuries, however the consequences could have been much worse. It’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.”
Questions have been asked about how fans were able to get so many flares into the stadium.
In a statement, Dundee FC said it was “investigating and working with the relevant authorities after a series of unacceptable actions in the stands”.
“Despite robust practice by all clubs in the SPFL and the SFA at Hampden, flares, offensive banners and singing of sectarian songs continue to be a problem all across our game in Scottish Football,” it said.
“As we are working with the authorities we are unable to comment on the situation at this time. The club will comment further once the ongoing investigation has taken place and concluded.”
Rangers have been approached for comment.
The club’s manager, Phillipe Clement, said support from the fans was important to his team but urged them to “keep the fire outside of the stadium.“
BBC Scotland has learned that no Scottish club has ever been sanctioned by the SPFL for the use of fireworks and flares.
New legislation came into force in June making it a criminal offence to possess them at events such as football matches.
Announcing the legislation, Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said it was a “dangerous” problem which was “escalating”.
It came after last year’s Scottish Cup final was delayed after both Celtic and Rangers fans let off flares at Hampden Stadium.
Last year, Rangers were fined £30,480 by Uefa after supporters let off flares during their Europa League quarter final match against Sporting Braga.
Celtic were also hit with a £20,000 fine from European football’s governing body in September after fans lit fireworks before their match against Feyenoord.
Original article published 03.11.2023 on the BBC News website.
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