SNUFF OUT THE PYROS

Supporters face 10-year ban for smuggling flares and smoke bombs into stadiums | Move follows string of dangerous 'ultra' incidents and anti-social behaviour

- CHRIS MCCALL

A CRACKDOWN on pyro in Scottish football is set to see fans who smuggle them into matches face a 10-year ban.

The use of flares and smoke bombs has rocketed in recent years among young "ultra" groups despite supporters being repeatedly warned against them by clubs and police.

Now fans face long banning orders if they are caught using or carrying pyrotechnics under tough measures planned by the Scottish Government and football bosses.

Revealing the plans, SNP community safety minister Siobhian Brown said: "Everyone should be able to enjoy the excitement and atmosphere of a football match without the fear of serious injury from pyrotechnics."

It is already illegal to carry fireworks or flares into football matches after legislation was passed last year - with fines and jail terms for those caught with them.

But now football banning orders (FBOs) are set to be used as well in a bid to halt their use.

Ministers have convened a working group with the SPFL, SFA and Police Scotland to extend the FBO scheme to target fans caught with pyros.

FBOs can be imposed by a court for up to 10 years for violent offences at matches which could include throwing a lit pyrotechnic as a weapon.

The working group will hear evidence on extending the scope of FBOs to include simply carrying or using pyrotechnics.

Brown said: "We have considerably strengthened pyrotechnic laws and those who carry fireworks and pyrotechnics in public and into football stadia can face fines and up to six months in prison.