A disabled football fan has hit out at the use of pyrotechnics after being caught up in a “terrifying” experience during the match at Fir Park between Motherwell and Rangers.
And Sharon McCaskie has now warned of potentially ‘devastating consequences’ if fans don’t heed police warnings to stop using flares and smoke bombs.
In the latest incident a smokebomb was launched on to the trackside as Kenny Miller celebrated his opening goal for Mark Warburton’s side.
The firework almost hit photographer Craig Williamson and also landed near disabled supporters.
Well fan Sharon had to be be rushed to hospital last year when her own fans set off a flare against Hamilton during a Scottish Cup tie and she was again caught up in a pyrotechnics flashpoint today.
Flares and smoke bombs adversely affect her breathing and Sharon said last year’s traumatic ordeal could have led to her suffering a heart attack had she not sought immediate medical attention.
Sharon was again a victim of the smokebomb morons today, with the culprit coming from the visiting fans’ end of the ground this time.
The 47-year-old said: “It was a terrifying experience and I could not breathe. For this to keep happening is a real worry.
“Fans letting off fireworks doesn’t add to the atmosphere – it’s dangerous and it could have devastating consequences.”
Darren McPhee, 35, who is the chair of the Motherwell Supporters’ Club, has severe asthma and was also affected by the fireworks at Fir Park.
Lat year the Sunday Mail reported how hooligans are risking fans’ lives with flares which are powerful enough to melt steel.
Watch as flare melts football top in seconds as cops issue pyro warning ahead of Scottish Cup Final
In tests the flares, burning at 3000C, melted a football top in just seconds.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service chief Robert Scott warned fans of the dangers of pyrotechnics.
He said: “The abuse of pyrotechnics at football stadia and other large scale public venues is simply deplorable.
“A flare can inflict life-threatening injuries on innocent fans who just want to enjoy a game of football.
“Smoke grenades are also dangerous as they can emit toxic substances which can cause traumatic respiratory difficulty.
“This has to be taken seriously and we would urge the majority of law-abiding football fans to support our police partners in stamping out this reckless behaviour”.
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