Shrewsbury Town FC issue a statement about the recent use of pyrotechnics at games
There have been isolated incidents this season where pyrotechnics have been discharged at away Shrewsbury Town games.
During the weekend’s trip to Blackpool, in what was a fantastic away following and a great day out for so many Shrewsbury fans, the match was marred by a couple of incidents involving smoke bombs being discharged within the Stand in which our supporters were housed, one of which involved a family of our supporters being hit by the smoke bomb who then subsequently left the match and another discharged in the concourse which closed the concourse to our supporters.
The Club condemns the use of any pyrotechnics and operates a policy of zero tolerance where action will be taken against anyone caught with or using pyrotechnics at home or away games.
Shrewsbury Town’s CEO Brian Caldwell has made it clear that the Club will not tolerate any use of pyrotechnics by our supporters.
“There is no place in football for flares, smoke bombs or pyrotechnics but unfortunately there have been some incidents with smoke bombs this season at our matches by a very small minority of our support. They are a very dangerous form of pyrotechnics” said Brian
“I have a lot of experience of these from my years in Scottish football as they became prevalent there. Smoke bombs are very difficult to detect as they tend to be the size of a 50p coin and some used to hide them in places to avoid detection by stewards on entry and are unfortunately readily available”
“They are extremely dangerous as they burn at very high temperatures and also the smoke can cause breathing issues to those in affected areas. Unfortunately I have seen some terrible consequences from their use and we do not want them associated with the good name of Shrewsbury Town FC”
“We will also work closely with the Supporters Parliament to try and eliminate them from our support.”
Anyone with any information which may aid the investigation into the incidents at the weekend’s game at Blackpool should contact the Clubs Safety Officer Lawrence Ellerby on 01743 289177 or via email Lawrence.Ellerby@shrewsburytown.co.uk