Is it time for a rethink on the Scottish approach to pyrotechnics at SPL football matches?

It is an issue that is not going away. It seems no matter how many times fans are searched upon entry or herded through security checks like cattle at football matches, smoke bombs and pyrotechnics find a way through.

While many are opposed to such displays at games for a number of valid reasons such as safety and health concerns, it is also fair to say the approach in Scottish football to pyrotechnics is not working.

Such displays still go ahead despite the majority of fans attending being searched for alcohol and flares upon entry to a stadium, but is this really the best use of police time? Perhaps it is time for a rethink.

Last week it was reported the French Ligue 1 is to trial a scheme, along with the government, to allow pyrotechnics in arenas in a bid to decriminalise the use of the devices as long as all involved were notified and displays were arranged beforehand. The idea would give fans and clubs the opportunity to safely organise pyrotechnic displays in advance.

Is it time for a rethink on flares and pyros at Scottish football?

The motivation for such a decree simply appears to be an acknowledgement the current approach wasn’t working and that by taking fresh action on the use of flares in open air grounds, it would remove the illegal and unsafe use of pyrotechnics in the stands of the stadiums.

While I am no huge fan of flares at football, there is no doubt they add to the visual spectacle and atmosphere in the grounds. Furthermore, it is clear existing tactics to combat their use in stadiums are not working. So perhaps an open dialogue with clubs and supporters would help – or at least remedy the existing situation.

Lets face it, steps that involve the searching of fans before entry and issuing clubs’ fines for fan use of flares are not cutting through. The use of pyrotechnics is more common than ever in our game.

Perhaps rather than assuming the worst in fans and searching them, an olive branch could solve a number of issues?

Scottish football has a lot of problems. I am not at all saying as fans we are perfect, but perhaps a willingness on the part of authorities to grow and give some leeway to supporters may help solve this predicament.