Teenager injured by thrown flare at Inverness Caledonian Thistle match
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POLICE are appealing for witnesses to find out how a 13-year-old Inverness Caledonian Thistle fan was injured after a flare was thrown in a stand during a match.
A teenage boy was hurt after a pyrotechnic was set alight and thrown during Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s Scottish Championship clash with Dundee United last Friday.
The incident was reported to have taken place in the North Stand of the Caledonian Stadium at around 8.50pm.
The teenager required hospital treatment, but has since been discharged.
Police are keen to find out information how the incident happened and who was responsible for causing the injury. They are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
They said: “Police in Inverness are appealing for information in relation to an incident whereby a pyrotechnic was set alight and thrown, causing injury to a member of the public.
“The incident occurred about 2050 hours on Friday, January 12 within the North Stand of Caledonian Stadium.”
Inverness Caledonian Thistle released a statement yesterday into the incident which said: “We are currently assisting the police with their investigation.”
New laws came into force last year which made it illegal to carry flares or fireworks into public places.
However, there have been incidents at matches across Scotland where pyrotechnics have been thrown onto pitches and affected matches.
The SPFL and SFA released a joint statement in November, saying they remain committed to working with all stakeholders, including the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, clubs and supporters’ organisations to address the matter.
The Inverness Caledonian Thistle Supporters Trust condemned the actions of those that caused the injury.
They released a statement hoping action will be taken against those responsible and advise fans against taking part in repeat behaviour in the future.
Speaking about the fan, they said: “We hope he makes a speedy recovery and that this incident won’t put them off supporting their team in the future.
“Whilst we want to encourage a strong vocal support at games, supporters should not be getting injured or put at risk of being injured whilst attending a football match.
“Hopefully when the club identify the perpetrators then they will take the necessary action against them so this doesn’t happen again. We’d urge any fan who thinks this type of behaviour is appropriate to think twice and not place fellow fans at risk of injury from their irresponsible actions whilst supporting our football club.”
Anything with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 or attend at Burnett Road Police Station, Inverness, and quote reference number CR/0014216/24.
