A senior Aberdeen firefighter has urged north-east football fans to leave flares “to the professionals” when supporting their teams.
There have been several incidents of supporters bringing pyrotechnics to games in recent years, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service say it is an increasing problem.
Earlier this month, a man admitted throwing a flare at Cove Rangers’ Balmoral Stadium last June, damaging the pitch in the process.
The use of flares has also been reported by fans at Aberdeen’s home ground Pittodrie and at a derby between Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Scott Symon, the fire service’s group manager for prevention and protection in Aberdeen said: “Some pyrotechnics reach temperatures of 1200 degrees and can continue to burn even when discarded.
“People need to understand the potential consequences being struck by such an item can have – due to the very high temperatures they generate.
“Smoke bombs are also being widely used and emit toxic substances which can cause breathing difficulties and anxiety for innocent people whose only crime is wanting to enjoy a day out.
“The dangers I have highlighted are why we are urging people to keep Scotland safe by working with us to stamp out this dangerous, unwanted and unacceptable behaviour.
“That is why our ultimate message is a simple one: leave pyro to the professionals who host large-scale events.”
