Liverpool supporters who set off flares and smoke bombs during Saturday's Community Shield win over Manchester City are facing the possibility of a 12-month ban from attending matches.
The aforementioned objects were thrown onto the playing surface at the King Power Stadium after Trent Alexander-Arnold opened the scoring for Jurgen Klopp's side in the first half and emerged again after the interval when the Reds added to their goal tally.
After yesterday's full-time whistle, the Football Association confirmed they were investigating the matter and would be working with Liverpool to identify culprits. Clubs across England are expected to be taking tougher action against fans after a joint agreement was recently reached between the FA, EFL and Premier League to stamp out scenes witnessed at the back end of last campaign.
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Two of the key elements regarding this change in approach relates to the increasing issues surrounding pitch invasions, which saw players and coaching staff being targeted by supporters, as well as players being caught in the middle of pyro-related incidents. Harvey Elliott was contacted by the FA after holding a flare following the Red's Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea, meanwhile Richarlison was handed a one-match ban for throwing a lit flare off the Goodison Park pitch in May.
Liverpool, along with all the 20 Premier League clubs, have signed up to the new pledge which aims to put an end to the rise in disorder witnessed since supporters returned to stadiums after multiple lockdowns. Commenting on the pyrotechnics used during yesterday's Community Shield, an FA statement read: "We are aware of incidents during the FA Community Shield where flares were used in the stands. The use of smoke bombs or pyrotechnics in a football stadium is dangerous, illegal, and could have severe consequences.
"We can confirm that we are investigating the matter and will be working with the relevant authorities, the clubs and the police to identify the individuals involved and we will take appropriate action. This season, The FA, Premier League and EFL announced new measures and stronger sanctions to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviour in football grounds.
"Premier League and EFL clubs have agreed that if their fans are identified using flares in the stadium then those individuals would receive a club ban. We expect the club to also investigate these incidents and to implement the new rules where applicable."
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