WILL CLARK: Teenager's injury at Inverness Caledonian Thistle game against Dundee United must flare up danger of pyrotechnics
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This week, I reported how a 13-year-old boy was injured after being struck by a flare at the match between Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Dundee United.
Police Scotland confirmed the teenager was taken to hospital to receive treatment for his injuries and was later released.
Like everyone else, I hope that the youngster will recover fully from his injuries and the experience will not deter him from attending football matches in the future.
I have written in the past how fans need to realise the danger of pyrotechnics in football grounds and the nuisance that they cause.
Has it taken a youngster being injured by a flare in the North Stand of the Caledonian Stadium to get the message across that they are not safe?
If it doesn’t, then obviously there is no hope for some people.
A law making it a criminal offence to possess fireworks and flares at football matches came into force last year.
The legislation enables police to search and remove pyrotechnics from people as they enter the stadium.
It is a specific criminal offence to possess a firework or other pyrotechnic at certain places or events – such as football matches, music concerts and festivals – without reasonable excuse.
There have been incidents in recent seasons where flares have disrupted matches and been thrown on to the pitch before and during matches.
The Scottish FA and Scottish Premier Football League issued a joint statement last year saying it was working with the authorities to help clamp down and improve the situation.
Caley Thistle say they are also helping police with their enquiries in relation to the incident at the match against Dundee United.
However, more needs to be done for the police being seen to take action against those who are responsible.
Police Scotland are to be commended for putting out a public appeal asking for more information into how the incident happened between Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Dundee United earlier this month.
But unfortunately, it has taken someone being hurt for a noticeable appeal to be seen and heard.
The consequences of these actions have to be made public, and the message has to be put across the danger pyrotechnics present.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle Supporters Trust came out with a public statement condemning the actions of those responsible.
They wrote: “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.”
While the Caledonian Stadium isn’t the most atmospheric of grounds, it doesn’t need to be lit up with pyrotechnics being thrown about.
Unfortunately, there was a victim as a result of these actions. Let’s make sure something like this never happens again. If you like fireworks, wait for bonfire night.
