Flare Play: Pyro and the Law

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Thought this was useful from the FSA - it is not discussing the rights or wrongs but just alerting fans to how many fans have found themselves with lengthy bans or criminal records as a result of using pyro in football stadia.

“Over the past decade we’ve spoken to lots of fans who’ve been prosecuted, and even jailed, for letting off flares or smoke bombs in stadiums.” – Amanda Jacks (FSA)

From Football Supporters Association article - 'There is no denying the fact that many supporters, particularly younger fans, feel that they add to the atmosphere and spectacle – and TV directors certainly seem to agree.

That's why we've put together a simple explainer about the laws surrounding pyro at the match and the implications around its use.'

FSA caseworker Amanda Jacks says: "Supporters who let off pyro inside stadiums might want to improve the atmosphere but they’re putting themselves at risk of lengthy club bans and criminal prosecution," Amanda says.

"It isn’t worth it and can harm your current or future employment, university or college applications, travel, insurance premiums and even housing options."

 
All well and good letting them off and saying it`s a good thing for the atmosphere

but

When your in the dock and the magistrates retire to consider your responses to their questions and a possible custodial sentence, it hits home

It really isn`t worth it
 
We had posters on here championing the antics of ultras in other countries and suggesting that their behaviour should be copied at the Riverside. No doubt other fans' boards had the same.

That's when it should have been looked at by the FSA and moves made to nip it in the bud.
 
First time I have seen one at the Riverside was against Stoke and it stunk (was sat in the NW) would hate to be in the same block as one.
 
We had posters on here championing the antics of ultras in other countries and suggesting that their behaviour should be copied at the Riverside. No doubt other fans' boards had the same.

That's when it should have been looked at by the FSA and moves made to nip it in the bud.
The FSA cannot nip any movement like this in the bud. But they can help defend fans in court and warn others that they might fall foul of the law.
 
It cost us a goal years ago away to Burton in the FA Cup when someone hoyed a red smoke cannister on the pitch. And about 3 or 4 banning orders that day for those who set them off
 
Thought this was useful from the FSA - it is not discussing the rights or wrongs but just alerting fans to how many fans have found themselves with lengthy bans or criminal records as a result of using pyro in football stadia.

“Over the past decade we’ve spoken to lots of fans who’ve been prosecuted, and even jailed, for letting off flares or smoke bombs in stadiums.” – Amanda Jacks (FSA)

From Football Supporters Association article - 'There is no denying the fact that many supporters, particularly younger fans, feel that they add to the atmosphere and spectacle – and TV directors certainly seem to agree.

That's why we've put together a simple explainer about the laws surrounding pyro at the match and the implications around its use.'

FSA caseworker Amanda Jacks says: "Supporters who let off pyro inside stadiums might want to improve the atmosphere but they’re putting themselves at risk of lengthy club bans and criminal prosecution," Amanda says.

"It isn’t worth it and can harm your current or future employment, university or college applications, travel, insurance premiums and even housing options."

the bans and criminal records are nothing new, I honestly do not think regurgitating this will make a blot of difference in regards to the use of pyro in stadiums. it is very much part of the fan experience in football matches around the world. complaints of flares being let off in the concourse will no help either.. it is my my view that the best course of action is to limit harm and educate fans in safer alternatives. the punishments already exist and they do not prove to be effective deterrents.

I honestly think that some fans wont be happy until we have sniffer dogs at every ground as we get patted down one by one a led to a fenced off seated position where we all wait patiently for the approved goal celebration music to kick in whereby we may clap politely in response.
 
I was at Derby when one was set off after Bamford scored and was kicked near me. I struggled to breathe at the time and it impacted on me throughout the rest of the game.
 
They should be helping prosecute fans, not defending them.
The FSA are fan reps and so therefore they try to defend fans who are in trouble with the law in football grounds.
But this is not about saying whether it is right or wrong it is a warning to fans.
 
The FSA are fan reps and so therefore they try to defend fans who are in trouble with the law in football grounds.
But this is not about saying whether it is right or wrong it is a warning to fans.
They should be representing fans who don't wish to be subjected to illegal pyrotechnics.
 
In these days of supposed tighter entrance security, these flares shouldn’t be getting into the grounds in the first place. Perpetrators should be identified and arrested at the door.
 
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In these days of supposed tighter entrance security, these flares shouldn’t be getting into the grounds in the first place. Perpetrators should be identified and arrested at the door.
Depends how they bring them in - within food or drink for instance!
 
They should be representing fans who don't wish to be subjected to illegal pyrotechnics. FSA they represent fans that come to them for help in legal situations.
FSA offer legal representation and advice for fans at football. If a supporter was a victim of pyro they would help them. They would also stick up for anyone that said they didn't want pyro next to them in a stadium. Here what the FSA is doing is trying to warn people they could be in court/prison/lose their job.

I have just been in a lengthy EFL FSA fan meeting and everyone is agreed we have to do all we can to tackle these issues. It is also far easier said than done to tackle these issues.
 
I’d like to see supporters groups like red faction come out and condemn them as they are dangerous intrusive and above all they directly effect the field of play.

You can’t play if you can’t see.

I’m 100% in support of outlawing this new craze that’s crept into the British game.
 
I’d like to see supporters groups like red faction come out and condemn them
That plainly isn't going to happen. I think it was the Stoke game(?) and before kick off they had a huge banner stretched over part of the South Stand and smoke bombs were let off underneath the banner as the banner was lifted the smoke wafted across the pitch it must have been f'kkin unpleasant under there, IMO this appeared to be an orchestrated stunt. I was in the SW corner and even there the smoke was unpleasant and partially obscured our view of the pitch for a few minutes at kick off.
I come to watch a game of football not marvel at the antics of a some sad sacks who seem to think that THEY are the show. Yes I appreciate that they do contribute to the atmosphere at games but sometimes they go too far.
 
I’m 100% in support of outlawing this new craze that’s crept into the British game.
I agree!! That said though I thought it had already been outlawed as part of the across-the-board Post 9/11 entrance security for all sporting events, concerts etc.
 
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