Police chiefs have urged football fans to leave flares at home, warning that setting-off the items in grounds can cause “life changing injuries”.
Last week, north-east firefighters pleaded with supporters to ditch the pyrotechnics as part of a national campaign aimed at improving safety at matches.
Police have now revealed that 18 people were charged with possessing flares during the 2017/18 Scottish football season – with the number jumping to 22 the following season.
There have been several incidents of supporters bringing pyrotechnics to games in recent years and emergency services say it is an increasing problem.
Last month a man admitted throwing a flare onto the pitch at Cove Rangers’ Balmoral Stadium in June 2019, damaging the surface in the process.
The use of flares has also been reported by fans at Aberdeen’s home ground, Pittodrie, and during the Highland derby between Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
But amateur pyrotechnics have proven to be an issue across Scotland.
Last August, a match between Rangers and Liega Warsaw at Ibrox was temporarily halted after visiting fans let off smoke bombs in the stands, shrouding the pitch in a thick fog.
And in an incident last February a police horse was allegedly attacked by an individual wielding a flare.
There has been just one person charged during the current season, but police have nonetheless urged fans not to bring the potentially deadly items to games.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said most supporters were out to enjoy the game but urged those considering bringing in smoke bombs or flares to leave them at home.
“Thousands of people attend concerts and football matches and we will continue to work with and support the organisers and safety managers to ensure events pass without injury,” he said.
“A significant amount of resourcing goes into these events and we want everyone to come and enjoy them safely.
“Conditions of entry linked to tickets means you may be searched. Don’t put yourself and others at risk by bringing pyrotechnics.
“There is ‘no place for pyro’ at concerts or football.
“They are dangerous and can cause serious and life changing injuries – most of all to the people using them.
“Please be considerate of your fellow fans and the general public, both inside and outside venues.”
ACC Williams added: “Taking pyrotechnics or fireworks into a designated sporting event is also a criminal offence.
“If you know of anyone who carries pyrotechnics or uses them at events or football, please discourage them and report it to a steward or to the police.”
Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
