Eleven football arrests under new anti-pyrotechnic laws

Smoke could be seen bellowing out of the stands at Dens Park during a match in November

Eleven people have been arrested at football matches for carrying or using pyrotechnics since the introduction of new legislation six months ago.

Figures obtained by BBC Scotland, also revealed two banning orders have been issued relating to fireworks at football.

New laws came into force in June making it illegal to carry flares or fireworks into public places.

The details have emerged following a freedom of information request.

The Scottish football authorities, the Scottish government and the police met to discuss the issue following a number of high profile matches where the use of flares and fireworks was widespread.

The SPFL and the police have promised to get tough on fans who bring flares and fireworks but no firm decisions were taken following the meeting in November.

BBC Scotland has learned the clubs have since met collectively to discuss the issue and heard from experts about how other league's across Europe deal with the issue.

It is understood those discussions will continue.

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A number of high-profile matches have been disrupted in recent months due to the use of flares.

Last year's Scottish Cup final was delayed after both Celtic and Rangers fans let off flares at Hampden Stadium.

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

Celtic were also hit with a £20,000 fine from European football's governing body in September after fans lit fireworks before their match against Feyenoord.

Last season's Scottish cup semi-finals were also disrupted by after fans let off flares

The issue has become more prevalent in Scottish football in recent years with the rise of so called 'ultras' groups.

Celtic banned their ultras group, known as the Green Brigade, in October, partly due to the group's widespread use of flares and fireworks.

Some fans have called for the introduction of so called 'safe pyro' areas - something that has been trialled in Norway.

But due to the temperatures involved, experts have warned UEFA against their widespread introduction.

Clubs competing in UEFA competitions, such as the Champions League, are regularly fined by the governing body for fans' use of fireworks during matches.

No Scottish club has ever been sanctioned by the SPFL or the SFA due fans using pyrotechnics.

A spokesperson for the SPFL said: "The Scottish football authorities and member clubs are committed to working with our partners, including Scottish government and Police Scotland, to find a collective solution to tackling the use of pyrotechnics within our stadia.

"It is our intention to work together to drive forward plans to reinforced the message to fans that the use of pyro is illegal and can cause a significant safety hazard to players, fellow fans and everyone involved in what should be a safe and enjoyable matchday experience for all."

Police Scotland said it was clear that football clubs have a responsibility to encourage their fans to act safely and responsibly.

A spokeswoman added: "The safety and security at any event is the responsibility of the event organiser. If the organiser requests police support, a pre-planned policing operation is put in place, and we work in partnership to support the delivery of a safe and secure event.

"Taking pyrotechnics into a sporting stadium is a criminal offence. I'd ask people to think of the impact it could have on those around you, particularly people with medical conditions, young children, and elderly."