England: launching of campaign to educate fans on the dangers of pyrotechnics

The Premier League, the FA (the Football Association) and the FL (Football League, who manage the second, third and fourth British professional divisions) are launching an educational campaign for supporters on the dangers of pyrotechnics devices in football grounds, on the 02/12/2013.

Posters parodying football chants are being displayed in the grounds and on the media communications of the clubs. A website has also been launched with real-life examples of how dangerous pyrotechnics devices are: burns, panic, prosecution...

"We have launched this education campaign because we want fans to be fully aware of the dangers of pyrotechnics and realise the harm they can cause to other supporters," said Cathy Long, Head of Supporter Services at the Premier League.

During the 2010-11 season, eight incidents involving pyrotechnics were recorded across the English leagues, and 72 in 2011-12 (6.5 times more). Since the beginning of the 2013-14 season, 96 incidents have already occurred, up to the 30/10/2013. English clubs are now using "pyro dogs", specially trained to prevent pyrotechnics…