Pyrotechnics present dangers to spectators, players and officials. An independent study commissioned by UEFA and Football Supporters Europe (FSE) found there is no safe use of pyrotechnics in spectator areas at football events within stadia or in crowded places.
That was the verdict from an independent study into pyro commissioned by UEFA.
Football fan culture and particularly ultra culture have been using pyro for a long time inside and outside of stadiums. The use of such items is prohibited and is punishable by UEFA, the governing body for European football not slow in handing out fines to clubs who don’t prevent supporters from bringing them into stadiums.
Policing these sorts of things is very difficult for clubs who can only send out so many warnings asking fans not to participate.
I’ve long held the belief the authorities should now be looking at ways to work with fans to make such displays inside stadiums safer for all.
If you subscribe to the notion these aren’t going away, which they aren’t. Why not look to work with supporters rather than throw out frivolous fines to clubs on a regular basis?
There is no doubt pyro inside stadiums can make for one hell of a visual. Celtic fans will point to a few displays by their own ultras, the Green Brigade, and how effective they were in creating an incredible and intimidating atmosphere. The sight from the stands back in February 2022 when Celtic took on their bitter rivals at Celtic Park is a perfect example of what pyro can bring to a football event.
The smoke from the pyro hitting the lights also provides mystical like scenes.
Some of you might be aware of a game between Brøndby and Midtjylland back in 2019. It was the first intro of ‘safe’ pyro or ‘cold’ pyro as it has been described.
The pyro burns 1000 degrees lower than regular flares, so much so you can safely put your hand across the pyro without hurting yourself.
This was played out in Denmark — clubs and authorities trying to work with their support to provide something special.
The display on the night went off without a hitch. It wasn’t quite the same as normal pyro but it allowed fans the opportunity to get creative without worrying about the fall out.
It’s been three years since this display and nothing has really moved forward. With the world gripped by a pandemic, improving pyro was not even remotely important. Now fans are back and pyro is back in the stands, is it not time to discuss the way forward?
If there were credible talks and a willingness to explore how we can make this as mainstream and as safe as possible. If UEFA and clubs would seriously look at the issue, there would be an uptake in the advancement of ‘cold’ pyro and other alternatives.
Right now, what we have is a stand off. Fans will continue to use standard pyro and allow the clubs to take the heat. The unregulated use of these are a cause for concern.
Celtic pushed for the advancement of safe standing, the Hoops a catalyst for change. The section has brought atmosphere and noise to the stadium and paved the way for other clubs to follow. Why can’t we have the pyro conversation without it being shut down completely?
They’re not going anywhere, so let’s try to find a solution.
