The Scottish Government have blasted Rangers fans as “reckless” after a pyro display forced their match with Dundee to be suspended on Wednesday.
The Scottish Premiership contest was halted after just two minutes when a number of flares were lit in the away section of Dens Park.
Smoke engulfed the arena resulting in fire alarms being set off around the ground and referee Kevin Clancy asked both sets of players to return to the dressing rooms.
Police Scotland then took charge of Dens Park, before the players returned and the match resumed.
On the incident, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Pyrotechnics can be extremely dangerous and it is completely reckless to use them in this way.
“It is a criminal offence to take, or attempt to take, pyrotechnics, including fireworks, into football stadiums and the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 provided Police Scotland with further measures to deter and prevent their use from June 2023.
“We welcome the stance that football authorities, clubs, many fans and fan groups, as well as front-line services, have taken to pyrotechnic misuse, speaking out against it and working together on joint messaging and awareness-raising.”
Earlier today the Scottish Professional Football League confirmed they would liaise with police over the “very concerning” pyrotechnic display which held up the Premiership contest.
The game was delayed for 18 minutes after kick-off had initially been put back by 45 minutes following the late arrival of the Rangers team amid traffic problems.
Police are investigating and warned of the dangers of serious injuries after the flares lit up the Bob Shankly Stand behind the goal less than 10 minutes into the game.
An SPFL spokesperson said: “The extensive use of pyrotechnics at the match at Dens Park is very concerning and unwelcome. The disruption to the game is obviously extremely regrettable.
“We await the delegate report and will be liaising with Police Scotland on the incident.”
Police Scotland are studying footage to try to identify those responsible.
Superintendent Iain Wales said: “The safety of the public and officers is our priority.
“Due to a number of pyrotechnics, including smoke bombs and flares being set off in the stands, the game was stopped. Players were removed from the pitch and returned a short time later.
“Taking pyrotechnics into a football stadium is not only an offence, it is extremely dangerous.
“It is tremendously disappointing and worrying that despite repeated warning about the risk, these are still brought to matches.
“Luckily there were no reports of any injuries, however the consequences could have been much worse. It’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.
“Although no arrests were made at the game, retrospective enquiries are being carried out.
“The investigation is ongoing and we are working closely with both clubs to identify those responsible.
“Anyone with information that may assist our enquiries should contact 101 quoting reference number 2815 of 2 November.”
