Blackpool Fans should, once again, lead the way.

Curryman

Curryman

Well-known member
Where Blackpool fans lead, others follow. NAPM, Boycotts, peaceful protests, etc, and I know very well the replies I will receive to this post, even before I actually post it, and so be it, but it needs saying again. Blackpool fans should lead the way in banning all kinds of flares, smoke bombs, and fireworks from our ground and its precincts.

No one wishes to encourage an atmosphere of “sit and be quiet” within stadiums, including me. With that said, however, the game now caters to an audience of women and children, as well as the usual male football supporter, and the risks of injury in a closely populated area very serious. Dangerous behaviour, including handling these extremely hot (and illegal) devices is something that needs to be stamped out. Ignore those who maintain they are just a bit of fun, they are at best uncomfortable for those around the area, obliterate the viewing of the match for some, can cause breathing problems for those with Asthma, etc, and, depending on type can burn at up to 1600 degrees, which will not only light clothing but also plastic seats and some metals.

Not only is there a risk of burning people from using a pyro, or causing inhalation problems from smoke bombs; but causing harm is also a negligent action. From a legal standpoint, being caught using a pyro device and causing physical harm is both an illegal offence and runs the risk of an injury claim against the offender.

As we have all now seen they are not a toy, they are not fun for those injured by them, they do cause harm, injuries caused by flares are not to be taken lightly, as just small touches from a lit flare can cause extensive burning and scarring and as we now all know handling them can cause horrific life-changing injuries.

Following on from the tragic incident outside the ground on Sunday 9th May, Blackpool fans should, once again, take the lead and stop anyone from using them, before someone, maybe a child, is even more seriously injured or worse.

I end by pleading with you all to inform the Police if you know who it was who threw the bomb into the crowd outside the ground on Sunday and caused horrendous injuries to one of our own. you owe it to 'Speedy' and his family.
 
There’s a line that has been crossed more than once since the ousting, it appears an element of support have carte Blanche to do wtf they want. Wether we need to self police this or the club needs to be involved and work together whatever the answer is we need to work TOGETHER. The atmosphere is superb in the north however as said these incidents are becoming too common and we will lose a lot of goodwill that we have have created. The police are going to end up been involved constantly and most probably will stand there recording certain areas of the ground....who wants that?

Coming from someone that takes his 9 year old I don’t want to see any disorder or trouble, in this day and age it is completely unacceptable and pathetic, only 18 months ago we saw an MK Dons fan get chinned as we were coming out of the south, this was a premeditated attack by some thugs in the north who obviously left early to make their way around the ground looking for trouble. I spoke out about it at the time and if I view anymore such behaviour I will speak out against it again.

We have come too far and been through too much for our Club to be dragged through the dirt. Go to the game behave and enjoy, there’s nothing wrong with banter but come on focus on supporting the team rather than been ‘stupid’
 
Many have said similar in the past but the 'idiot' element shouted louder on previous forum.

What a shame the words 'we told you so' can be used.
 
Wilf, I generally support what you are saying here, but I think it's important that we don't distort the facts and I also think we have to be careful when levelling this at 'Blackpool Fans' in broad terms. It's also important to mention that these Pyro's are already banned from Football Grounds, so I'm not sure how Blackpool Fans can lead the way in banning them. I think it's probably more a case that the Club and local Police should lead the way in actually enforcing the law as it stands.

Smoke bombs are not illegal per se, they can be purchased on the internet and are recommended for use at weddings, baby showers and in photoshoots etc.. The smoke is apparently non-toxic, though if inhaled, like any other smoke it can potentially cause or aggravate breathing problems. The most popular devices are designed to burn in such a way that they can be held in someones hand and will not burn the skin. So it's important to be aware that they are not some black market product or that when used properly and in the correct cirumstances they are not quite safe and legal to use. It is illegal to use them in a public place (or at least to do so without seeking proper permission) and it is illegal to try to enter a Football Stadium with them in your possession. That said, the advertising is fairly soft and based on the way the items are marketed, I don't think it would be unreasonable for people to be fogiven for being under the impression that they are pretty harmless. So to that extent, I don't think the way they are marketed and sold is helpful, but I also think that based on that you can perhaps forgive the individuals who might use them (at least in part) and I suspect that they do not have malicious intent and may well be unaware that they pose any danger at all.

You're quite right that a smoke bomb might give someone a very nasty burn, if left unattended and they picked up the wrong end or it may cause a fire if it came into contact with a flammable material, but it would not blow up and cause the type of damage we are hearing about from weekend. That injury would have more likely been caused by an air bomb or banger type of firework.

So as things stand, the law is fairly loose with regard to pyro's, they are widely used by fans in other countries, the advesrtising is fairly soft and whilst the Police and Football Authorities have made some noises about their use, I'm not convinced that I see much in the way of decisive action to try and deal with the problem. 99.9% of supporters probably wouldn't dream of taking these into a stadium and whilst you'd like to think that the events of the weekend might make people think twice, yound lads, beer & testosterone at Football Games are unlikely to respond to a request not to be stupid.

So for me, whilst I think the sentiment is great, you are either preaching to the converted (those of us who wouldn't use them in the first place) or you are trying to herd cats (trying to convince young, testosterone and beer fueled lads, who see coloured smoke used widely throughout football elsewhere). If you are suggesting that other supporters should challenge people using them, then maybe that might be an option, but in my view it might well result in more of an issue than it solves.

If I'm being honest with you, I reckon that someone like BST getting involved and having some kind of fans campaign against them, would most likely have completely the opposite effect and most young lads will see them as a bunch of old farts and wet wipes. To that extent, I suspect people would be more likely to rebel against that kind of approach.

If Football and the authorities are serious about dealing with the problem and they ought to be after this latest incident, then they need to clamp down and deal with the problem, so that everyone knows where they stand. I mean let's face it, the Police were stood around allowing at to happen on Sunday, so they're essentially condoning their use.
 
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todayistheday said:
And the idiots seem to get invited to fans forums with the board.
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Have said for a long time that the club need to be careful who they get in to bed with. As far as I'm concerned, the numbers of 'fans groups' invited to these cosy get-togethers is not only excessive but also denies fans who don't want to be part of a group to miss out. I might start the Crewe and District BFC Supporters Club and see if I get an invite to the top table!
 
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