Groundbreaking pyrotechnics education programme launched to raise fan awareness of dangers

This is a press release from the football authorities. We think this is a good initiative. We do get the impression that there is an increasing realisation of the dangers of pyros. Moreover, it does seem that there is a willingness on the part of the authorities to take more stringent action, as we've seen with clubs having tickets withheld and fines as a result of their fans using flares.

A pioneering education project raising awareness amongst football fans of the dangers of pyrotechnics has been launched in a European first.

The initiative, run by the SPFL Trust, features an A&E senior consultant and a UEFA approved expert explaining the risks of using the devices at Scottish football matches.

It aims to reduce the use of pyrotechnics amongst programme participants and enhance safety inside and outside of games.

The pilot project is aimed at fans who have previously used pyrotechnics at matches, or younger supporters who may benefit from educational advice on the risks surrounding these devices.

Fans who undertake the course will read testimony from a senior hospital consultant who treated a fan who suffered serious hand injuries caused by a pyrotechnic device outside a Scottish football ground.

The programme has been shaped and reviewed by Dr Tom Smith, who previously authored two independent reports for UEFA on the dangers of pyrotechnics.

It will also explain the current legislation around being caught with pyrotechnics at a match in Scotland and why it’s illegal, and participants will hear from senior figures from across the game on the costs individual clubs have faced over damage caused by pyrotechnics at matches, as well as how widespread pyrotechnics use at particular matches have impacted TV crews covering the game.

The course has been funded by the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), Scottish FA and Scottish Government and pilot projects have already taken place, with others planned in the coming weeks.

Nicky Reid, SPFL Trust chief executive, said: “We all want football to be a safe and enjoyable experience, and the use of pyrotechnics at games has been a growing concern for many.

“This programme is about education and prevention, giving supporters the facts they need to make better informed choices. We’ve had really positive feedback from participants in the early pilots, which has been great to see.

“By working with medical experts and those directly affected, we hope to reduce the use of these devices and help make our game safer for everyone.”

The four-hour course is facilitated by trained educators with input from Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Community Justice Scotland, PFA Scotland, Football Safety Officers’ Association Scotland, healthcare professionals from Medics Against Violence, and fan organisation Supporters Direct Scotland, as well as football clubs across the country and the SPFL and Scottish FA. The video content is delivered in small group settings to encourage discussion and reflection.

Calum Beattie, SPFL chief operating officer, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the passion and continued loyalty shown by supporters across Scotland, which makes our league by some distance the highest attended per capita in Europe.

“But we’ve also been clear that the use of pyrotechnics at games are a growing concern for clubs, players and many supporters, and we’re committed to addressing this issue.

“We supported this initiative as we believe this programme can play an important part in reducing incidents of pyrotechnics across the league and help make football safer for everyone who loves our game.”

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA chief executive, said: “We fully support this important education initiative, which will help reinforce the message that pyrotechnics are not only dangerous but illegal and, as such, they have no place inside Scottish football stadiums.

“The safety of players, match officials and supporters is paramount, and the rising use of pyrotechnics in stadiums continues to present serious risks."

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Using pyrotechnics such as flares and fireworks at matches is incredibly dangerous, as well as being illegal. We welcome this pioneering new education programme to raise football fans’ awareness of those dangers.

“We have also committed to publishing a public consultation on Football Banning Orders legislation and how they can be effectively used to address disorder, in particular the reckless and illegal use of pyrotechnics at matches.”

Pyrotechnics incidents in Scotland and across Europe have resulted in injuries to supporters, and disruption and delays to matches. Scottish football authorities, Scottish Government, Police Scotland and other organisations have been clear that such use of pyrotechnics is illegal and poses clear dangers and health and safety risks to fellow supporters, players and those working at matches.

Scottish football authorities have already taken steps to address large-scale, organised and illegal pyrotechnic displays at matches. The SPFL has taken disciplinary action against clubs in the past 12 months in response to pyrotechnic use at matches, whilst the Scottish FA have also warned supporters they will take similar action if this occurs at one of their matches.

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