You can say people are overreacting but I think youngsters who aren't aware should know the following (from FSA website):
Possession of a smoke grenade or flare in any public place is a criminal offence. Hence a fan who is under the age of 18 and who has a smoke bomb in their pocket as they walk through town or on the train on the way to a match is committing an offence. This places some youths in a very difficult position.
They go on to say...
The starting point for a court considering the sentence for someone who has attempted to enter a stadium with pyro is three months in prison. In many cases it is very difficult to persuade the courts to come down from this three month figure.
So, if when you're encouraging younger fans to bring smoke bombs, regardless of how safe you feel they are, just be aware that that 30 seconds of coloured smoke could leave a long lasting stain on their own lives.
And, whilst you correctly say smoke bombs are not flares, you are incorrect to imply they are harmless...as this report confirms where a Leicester supporter was badly affected by a smoke bomb:
Possession of a smoke grenade or flare in any public place is a criminal offence. Hence a fan who is under the age of 18 and who has a smoke bomb in their pocket as they walk through town or on the train on the way to a match is committing an offence. This places some youths in a very difficult position.
They go on to say...
The starting point for a court considering the sentence for someone who has attempted to enter a stadium with pyro is three months in prison. In many cases it is very difficult to persuade the courts to come down from this three month figure.
So, if when you're encouraging younger fans to bring smoke bombs, regardless of how safe you feel they are, just be aware that that 30 seconds of coloured smoke could leave a long lasting stain on their own lives.
No Pyro, No Party? - Football Supporters' Association
Alison Gurden is a lawyer who works with the FSF and has defended many football fans, including those caught with pyro. She has concerns with current legislation but says āwhether or not I agree with the law as it standsā¦possession of pyro remains an offenceā.
thefsa.org.uk
And, whilst you correctly say smoke bombs are not flares, you are incorrect to imply they are harmless...as this report confirms where a Leicester supporter was badly affected by a smoke bomb:
Warning to LCFC fans after smoke bomb let off at game
One person missed the game due to the smoke bomb
www.google.com
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