Rodgers Raises Concerns Over Pyrotechnics Risks
Brendan Rodgers, the Celtic manager, has expressed serious concerns about the use of pyrotechnics by football fans, highlighting the potential risks to players and spectators alike. His comments come in response to an SPFL charge issued to the club, along with Motherwell and Rangers, regarding the conduct of their supporters during the League Cup semi-finals at Hampden last month.
Impact on Safety and Game Delays
Rodgers emphasized the importance of safety, pointing out that the use of pyrotechnics not only endangers those in the stands but also disrupts the game and puts players at risk. He highlighted the delays caused by such incidents, citing a 14-minute delay during the semi-final match, which could lead to injuries due to players’ muscles cooling down and being at risk.
“I always worry about people that are in and around that area when they’re going off. When you’re young, sometimes you don’t see the dangers, you don’t see or think of other people, but that’s a concern for me, for supporters, especially our own supporters when they’re there,” Rodgers said.
Call for Action and Support from Fans
While the SPFL has been hesitant to implement strict liability in Scottish football, Rodgers supported the need for action to prevent such incidents from recurring. He stressed that the use of pyrotechnics adds nothing to the game and called on fans to consider the safety of both supporters and players.
“The colour, the noise, the energy, what it gives us on the field is absolutely amazing. So the pyro doesn’t add anything, it doesn’t add anything. We get this amazing support, it’s renowned worldwide, our support base is iconic,” Rodgers emphasized.
Looking Towards a Solution
Rodgers expressed hope that the recent charge would serve as a wake-up call for fans to refrain from using pyrotechnics and urged the league to take necessary actions to ensure the safety and integrity of the game. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the unique and passionate support that Celtic fans are known for, without the need for disruptive elements like pyrotechnics.
