Football League introduces longer bans for pyrotechnic offences
All 72 Football League clubs have agreed to implement three-year bans for supporters found using smoke bombs, flares and fireworks in a bid to “put an end to the dangerous use of pyrotechnics.”
The clubs have signed up to a new Chairman’s Charter looking to stop the use of any pyrotechnics within EFL stadiums amid concerns for supporter safety.
Fans could face consequences if they attempt to take a banned item into a ground or if they are found to have discharged pyrotechnics within a stadium.
Pictured above: Crewe Alex fans let off a flare at Vale Park this season.
Football League statement
All 72 EFL clubs have signed up to a new Chairman’s Charter to help put an end to the dangerous use of pyrotechnics, which include smoke bombs, flares and fireworks within EFL football grounds.
Any supporter found to be in breach of the terms of the charter will face a minimum three-season club ban. Clubs will be permitted the flexibility to reduce the length of the club ban should an offender recognise the danger of their actions.
The introduction of the single issue charter comes amid increasing concerns about the proliferation of pyrotechnics being used in stadia during the opening matches of the 2017/18 season with its main objective to act as a future deterrent.
It also follows a number of incidents of significant concern where supporters have suffered serious injuries, including a 15-year-old boy who required hospital treatment for lung damage after a smoke bomb was thrown during a game.”
In conjunction with police forces around the country, EFL clubs will take strong and decisive action against any fan found attempting to bring a banned item into a ground.
The same will apply to supporters who choose to discharge pyrotechnics within a stadium environment. Police should be informed of such incidents and consideration given to a prosecution and subsequent banning order, where sufficient evidence is forthcoming of a criminal offence.