Scottish football pyros: 'Range of steps' promised to tackle flares at Viaplay Cup semi-finals
- Published
'Rangers fans' pyro was a wee bit over the top'
A "range of steps" have been promised to help prevent a repeat of Wednesday's pyrotechnic display at Dens Park during this weekend's Viaplay Cup semi-finals.
The Scottish FA and competition organiser the Scottish Professional Football League served a warning to fans before the games at Hampden.
The Premiership game between Dundee and Rangers was paused for 18 minutes after spectators let off flares.
"The use of pyrotechnics is illegal," the governing bodies stated.
"The safety, security and enjoyment of tens of thousands of fans who will fill the national stadium this weekend is paramount and there will be a range of steps put in place to help identify anyone who transgresses, including additional security measures and CCTV surveillance."
Aberdeen face Hibernian on Saturday, with Heart of Midlothian taking on Rangers on Sunday.
"Ahead of this weekend's Viaplay Cup semi-finals at Hampden Park, the Scottish FA and Scottish Professional Football League call on supporters to enjoy the showpiece occasions in a safe and responsible manner," the joint statement stressed.
"Given the increased focus on the use of pyrotechnics, we appeal to fans of all four participating clubs to enjoy the matchday experience at the national stadium but to do so in a manner that does not endanger the safety of their fellow supporters, or that has the potential to disrupt the matches themselves."
Wednesday's pyrotechnic display in the visiting end at Dens Park was condemned by Dundee FC, the Scottish Government and the SPFL, which described it as "very concerning and unwelcome", while Ibrox manager Philippe Clement urged his club's fans to leave flares outside the stadium.
New legislation came into force in June making it a criminal offence to possess them at events such as football matches.
"That message has been reiterated in the strongest possible terms by the police and football safety authorities, and reinforced by the SPFL and Scottish FA, during operational meetings with the participating clubs this week," the governing bodies added.
"We ask for your help in ensuring the weekend action is memorable for the excitement and entertainment generated on the field and not for any unwanted behaviour off it."
The appeal comes as the Football Safety Officers Association prepares to hold a meeting later this month with league bosses, Police Scotland and representatives of the Scottish government to discuss a an issue that has become an increasingly common sight in Scottish football grounds in recent years.