As quoted by the Scottish Herald, Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson has slammed fans who used pyrotechnics during the midweek League Cup tie at Livingston.
Flares and firecrackers were seen in a section of the away support on Wednesday, and two Gers fans were injured.
A 13-year-old boy and a 26-year-old woman required treatment at the ground for eye and leg injuries, respectively [BBC].
The following day, supporter’s group, the Union Bears, issued a statement rejecting the use of firecrackers, but supporting ‘safe use of pyrotechnics inside and outside football stadiums.’ Their stance was heavily criticised by other fans.
https://twitter.com/UnionBears/status/1177195945051729920
Unsurprisingly, Robertson has warned there will be consequences for those who bring pyrotechnics to matches.
“We are working with Livingston and the Police. It is just reckless and we don’t want to see that behaviour at football grounds,” said the Ibrox chief, as quoted by the Scottish Herald. “The singing from the fans has improved in the last few weeks…the change has been great and the fans have given us everything we have asked for there. But they can’t be bringing flares into grounds and doing what has been done.
“The risk to health, the smoke, the flames and everything that goes with it is not right. Regardless of whether it is a Rangers fan being injured, another team’s fan or an official, we shouldn’t have pyrotechnics in a football ground. It’s just ridiculous.
“If we do (identify those responsible), they will be banned. It’s as simple as that. If people want to run the risk of not getting to the game then they are going the right way about it. We will deal with it.”
Verdict
This is absolutely the right stance for Rangers to take on this matter.
Not only are pyrotechnics outlawed by the Scottish game, but as we saw on Wednesday night, they also cause unnecessary danger to those in the surrounding area when they are set off.
The club reacted speedily when hit with UEFA sanctions earlier in the season and it appears they won’t be pulling any punches here, either.
It’s paramount that Bears of all ages feel safe when going to watch their club play and that will not be the case as long as pyrotechnics are being used.