A warning about the use of pyrotechnic devices in football grounds.
Cheltenham Town Football Club and Gloucestershire Police are keen to remind all football supporters about the dangers of pyrotechnic devices within football grounds.
Fireworks, flares, smoke bombs and other forms of pyrotechnics are illegal and anyone found in possession of one within a football ground is liable to arrest and prosecution.
Cheltenham Town spokesman Paul Godfrey explained: “We’ve all seen flares being set off by fans in Champions League games and international matches. In fact, the media were quick to praise the Poland supporters for the way they got behind their team in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier including their use of flares.
“Unfortunately the reality is that such devices are illegal inside football grounds in this country. A number of Poland supporters were arrested at the game and anyone bringing one into the Abbey Business Stadium could also face prosecution leading to a football banning order or even prison sentence.
“We feel it’s important to get this message out so that people do not get themselves into trouble unwittingly. Last week a smoke device was set off inside the away end at our match at Dagenham & Redbridge. The Metropolitan Police were unable to identify the culprit but have explained to us this week that had they been able to do so, there is no doubt they would have been arrested. We also received complaints from our own supporters who were affected by the thick smoke that was created.”
The message is clear: for your own sake and for those around you, please do not bring pyrotechnic devices to football.