Flares in Football Grounds
Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 4:17 pm
Please Note
Following the recent incidents of letting off of flares in football grounds I thought it prudent to remind supporters of the consequences of taking such actions.
Not only can the individual be charged with the offence but the home club can also find itself in trouble with the FA and incur financial punishment.
Please therefor do not bring any such items to the Workington game or any other game for that matter. To help prevent these items being brought into our ground you may be searched before entry. Refusal to comply if asked will prevent you from entry. Please do not put the club at risk by bringing such items to any game.
Any fan in possession of such an item will be in contravention of the Sporting Events Act of 1985 a copy of which is added below.
Thanking you for your support in this very important matter.
John Mackay (Director Barrow AFC)
What is the law governing smoke bombs and flares at football matches?
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985.
It is on offence for a person to enter or attempt to enter a football ground while in possession of a flare, smoke bomb or firework. The sentence for these offences can be as much as three months in prison, and in many cases, fans who have no previous convictions are being given prison sentences for attempting to enter a football ground with a smoke bomb in their pocket as the courts take these offences very seriously.
There are two different offences (1) possession in the football ground; and (2) possession while attempting to enter. Although logically, attempting to enter a football ground seems to be less culpable than a fan who has managed to get the smoke bomb, flare or firework into the football ground, in real terms the courts do not consider one offence to be more serious than the other. Fans searched prior to entering the football ground and found to be in possession of a firework, flare or smoke bomb, have still been given custodial sentences.
Following the recent incidents of letting off of flares in football grounds I thought it prudent to remind supporters of the consequences of taking such actions.
Not only can the individual be charged with the offence but the home club can also find itself in trouble with the FA and incur financial punishment.
Please therefor do not bring any such items to the Workington game or any other game for that matter. To help prevent these items being brought into our ground you may be searched before entry. Refusal to comply if asked will prevent you from entry. Please do not put the club at risk by bringing such items to any game.
Any fan in possession of such an item will be in contravention of the Sporting Events Act of 1985 a copy of which is added below.
Thanking you for your support in this very important matter.
John Mackay (Director Barrow AFC)
What is the law governing smoke bombs and flares at football matches?
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985.
It is on offence for a person to enter or attempt to enter a football ground while in possession of a flare, smoke bomb or firework. The sentence for these offences can be as much as three months in prison, and in many cases, fans who have no previous convictions are being given prison sentences for attempting to enter a football ground with a smoke bomb in their pocket as the courts take these offences very seriously.
There are two different offences (1) possession in the football ground; and (2) possession while attempting to enter. Although logically, attempting to enter a football ground seems to be less culpable than a fan who has managed to get the smoke bomb, flare or firework into the football ground, in real terms the courts do not consider one offence to be more serious than the other. Fans searched prior to entering the football ground and found to be in possession of a firework, flare or smoke bomb, have still been given custodial sentences.
