Scotland consults on pyrotechnics at football matches

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on whether the law on Football Banning Orders (FBOs) should be updated to crack down on pyrotechnics use and other forms of football-related disorder.

FBOs are court orders that prevent individuals from attending all regulated matches in the UK, and they can be imposed for engaging in violence or disorder.

The consultation will investigate whether extended FBOs could be an effective deterrent against disorder such as pyrotechnics misuse, online abuse and other emerging challenges associated with the game.

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Football fans are passionate about the sport, supporting their club and of course our national team. The vast majority of supporters are well-behaved and want to enjoy football safely. However, the behaviour of a small minority can put others at risk and spoil their enjoyment of the game and have consequences for the football club. Whilst we have significantly strengthened the law to tackle pyrotechnic misuse in recent years, so that those who carry fireworks and flares into football stadia can face fines and up to six months in prison, pyrotechnic misuse at games remains an issue.

“The legislation governing Football Banning Orders in Scotland was introduced in 2006, when the use of flares at matches and harmful social media behaviour associated with the game were much less common. While FBOs can already be imposed on conviction for pyrotechnics offences that involve violence or disorder, we want to hear from people whether the law needs to change so these orders could be used more widely for pyrotechnics possession and misuse - ultimately to become a more effective deterrent and keep people safe."

Alan Marshall, Chair of the Football Safety Officers Association Scotland, said: “The Football Safety Officers Association Scotland welcomes the launch of this consultation.

“Safety officers across the country see first-hand the evolving challenges in ensuring a safe environment at football matches, including the increased misuse of pyrotechnics, which are illegal and becoming a bigger issue at football matches across Europe.

“Football Banning Orders are an important tool in helping prevent disorder, and to help stop the actions of a small number of supporters negatively impacting the experience of law-abiding football fans. It is appropriate that the legislation is reviewed to reflect modern realities.”