Premier League, EFL and FA issues threat to fans amid recent incidents and crowd trouble

The Premier League, EFL and FA issues a threat to match-going fans amid recent incidents and crowd trouble seen in the stands.

As the season got underway earlier this year, pitch invaders and fans who use pyrotechnics and smoke bombs at games were told that they would receive automatic club bans and be reported to the police next season.

However despite this warning being put to them, it is somewhat bing ignored with flares, smoke bombs and even fireworks still being set off in the stands, around the grounds and thrown onto the pitch.

Pyrotechnics put people at risk and are not welcome in our stadiums.

Love football, protect the game. #EFL https://t.co/gVLZHvoFXu

— EFL (@EFL) November 3, 2022

EFL STATEMENT:

The FA, Premier League, EFL and Women’s Super League are continuing to work with the Football Supporters’ Association to warn of the serious dangers of pyrotechnics at football, with a reminder that anyone found in possession or using these devices faces club bans and will be reported to the police.

At the start of the season, the football authorities introduced new measures and stronger sanctions across the game to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviours.

While fan behaviour on a matchday has shown some signs of improvement, there have been instances where pyrotechnics including flares, smoke bombs and fireworks have been found or used in stadiums.

A number of injuries have come from these incidents, including burns and breathing problems, alongside damage to hands, hearing, lungs and eyes. As a major fire hazard, pyros can also cause damage to grounds and surroundings.

It is illegal to bring them into stadiums and there are consequences for anybody who breaks the law and ground regulations. Anyone caught possessing or using pyrotechnics will be reported to the police and prosecution could result in a permanent criminal record. The pitch must remain safe for players, managers and match officials, just as the stands should be for supporters.    

The message is clear: pyrotechnics put people at risk and are not welcome in our stadiums.  

Love Football. Protect The Game.

Notes to Editors

Pyrotechnics:

• Pyrotechnics can burn at up to 2500 Celsius and can easily cause significant burns. The high temperatures mean that ignition of structures or other hazards is possible. This can cause a localised fire.
• Due to their explosive power, life-changing injuries can arise from being close to an explosion from a pyrotechnic and hearing damage is also very likely to those within a few metres of such a device exploding.
• Lung and eye damage can also be caused by repeated or high concentration of toxic smoke, which can also exacerbate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma.
• Impact damage to eyes, or chemical contamination can cause temporary or even long-term loss of sight, particularly if there is physical damage or burning, and loss of hearing can result from close proximity of explosive effects, such as bangers. 

Case Studies:

• An individual was arrested by Cumbria Police after a firework was thrown on to the pitch during a recent fixture between Barrow AFC and Carlisle United, which resulted in a delay of more than 15 minutes – see here
• Bradford City condemned the use of pyrotechnics after a supporter was struck by a device during their game against Newport County in August – see here
• A Blackpool supporter was handed a three-year ban after being caught letting off a pyrotechnic during the opening day fixture against Reading.

Twitter users had their say as the Premier League, EFL and FA issues a threat to fans amid recent incidents and crowd trouble…

@Alex_AFC14: Protect the clubs before you criticise the fans

@conk6488: Love football, love pyro

@UkJudgey: If you want to protect the game stop Sky moving games and think of the fans for a change. Seem to remember not so long ago all you lot were saying “football is nothing without the fans” then as soon as we’re back you shaft us as quick as you can without any thought for us.

@jacko17: Fair enough, but what happened for the Rangers friendly???? 🍊

@HornetMatt: Imagine needing some pretty coloured smoke to make a decent atmosphere.

@JoshuaHirst13: So why are the teams allowed to do their own pyrotechnics if they are so dangerous?

@dand2211: You’re wildly out of touch. The kids love pyro and want a shit ton more of it!

@foreverayellow: what i don’t understand is why we see pyro shows, displays, tifos, fireworks from clubs all over the world and have no issue or serious problems with it and looks rather cool with injuries rare, but in england it’s frowned upon and there is problems with safety, if they are so unsafe here, why isn’t the same point being raised by leagues abroad, or am i missing something etc. how can flares and pyro be made safe? have the unsafe products banned and make or put in safe ones if such a thing exists. also, why is is completely fine for other european clubs to come into british stadiums and allowed to do their pyro shows atmosphere etc with no punishment at all? how are they allowed entry with all these flares and smoke bombs in what are suppose to be stadiums that the items are banned? are they being checked? one rule for british, another for foreign?

@ZacWelshman1: Surely it’s time to discuss how pyro can be used safely and considerately instead of futilely trying to ban it? You won’t get rid of it, lots of fans love it, and by taking considered measures you can keep those that don’t away from it. #EFL

@JakeConlon13: This is absolutely ridiculous in my opinion. You see huge pyrotechnic displays in Poland and Germany without much misuse. They should allow pyros in but punish those who throw/launch them, treat football fans as people and not thugs and they’ll behave as people

@Ridderz86: What about a pyrotechnics area only?

No Pyro No Party https://t.co/njAGLRRT3M pic.twitter.com/P893WaZgaC

— Irish Football Blog (@BlogIrish) November 3, 2022