Highland League chiefs issue pyrotechnics warning

Pyrotechnics are banned from Scottish football grounds

Highland League bosses have warned fans against the use of pyrotechnics at the league's grounds across north and north east Scotland.

The board said it regretted having to issue the warning, but said flares, fireworks and smoke bombs had "no place" in football matches.

It is a criminal offence to take or try to take a pyrotechnic into football matches, and they also pose safety risks.

The Highland League said fans faced bans - and clubs financial consequences - should supporters bring the devices to games.

Safety summit

The Highland League stretches from Caithness down to Aberdeenshire, and also includes Brechin in Angus.

Pyrotechnics have become an increasingly common sight in Scottish football grounds in recent years, as well as on the continent.

In November 2023, a match between Dundee and Rangers had to be paused for 18 minutes after Rangers fans let off flares in the stands.

It let to a summit being held between clubs and the Football Safety Officers Association, Police Scotland, and the Scottish Government to discuss the issue.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers previously said he hoped the threat of bans would make fans think twice before throwing pyrotechnics.

The Scottish FA has since been granted powers to ban clubs from the Scottish Cup, however, chief executive Ian Maxwell insisted he wants to avoid that outcome.