Pyrotechnics at Rangers Are A Growing Concern

The use of pyrotechnics at football matches has become a talking point across Europe, and Rangers are no exception. Recently, the club has found itself on the receiving end of two UEFA fines due to incidents involving flares during matches. While the visual spectacle of pyrotechnics certainly adds to the atmosphere, it has also led to significant consequences for the club.

Fines Following Incidents at Lyon and Malmo Matches

Rangers were hit with a fine of approximately £11,500 following the Europa League match against Lyon at Ibrox, where flares were used by a small section of the support. This followed an earlier fine of nearly £15,900 for similar behavior in the away fixture against Malmo, a match Rangers won. The combined total is no small sum, and it raises questions about how future incidents might impact the club financially and in other ways.

The Balance Between Atmosphere and Safety

There’s no doubt that pyrotechnics create a charged atmosphere in the stadium, and many fans enjoy the visual impact they bring to big games. However, there are also risks involved, not just for the club in terms of fines, but also for fellow supporters. Some fans, particularly those with respiratory conditions or sensitivity to loud noises, can find the smoke and loud bangs from flares overwhelming.

With the recent relocation of the Union Bears to the Copland Stand—where these incidents occurred—the issue has come into sharper focus. This area has also seen the introduction of improved facilities for disabled fans, a group who may be more vulnerable to the effects of pyrotechnics. Balancing the desire for an intense atmosphere with the comfort and safety of all fans is a challenge that the club will need to navigate.

What Could Happen Next?

The fines imposed by UEFA are a warning shot, but they may not be the end of it. Other clubs across Europe have faced more severe penalties for repeated offenses, including partial or full stadium closures. If the use of pyrotechnics continues at Rangers matches, there’s a real risk that we could see similar sanctions at Ibrox, potentially impacting the matchday experience for many fans.

The Chairman’s Perspective

Rangers Chairman John Gilligan has addressed the issue directly, stating his disappointment at the behavior of a minority of fans and urging that the use of pyrotechnics must stop. According to him, the financial penalties are only one part of the problem—the safety and comfort of supporters who may be affected by smoke or loud bangs is another crucial factor. Gilligan’s message reflects the club’s concern about future repercussions if these incidents continue.

The biggest disappointment of that evening, however, was the actions of a small minority of supporters, whose use of pyrotechnics at the match has seen the club fined €13,750 by UEFA. This is in addition to a €19,000 fine for a similar incident in the match with Malmo.

My message is the use of pyrotechnics must stop and stop now at all of our matches home and away! Not only could the repercussions become ever-larger for the club, many supporters have difficulty coping with the effects of pyrotechnics, whether that be the smoke or loud bangs they produce. It is desperately unfair for any Rangers supporter to come to a match and be affected in such a manner.

Rangers Chairman, John Gilligan

Proactive Measures: Is This the Solution?

While the Chairman’s statement is a strong one, it’s unclear whether it will be enough to curb the use of pyrotechnics at future matches. If Rangers are serious about preventing further incidents, they may need to take more proactive steps. Increased security measures, along with identifying those responsible for bringing flares into the stadium, might be necessary if the club wants to avoid more fines or potential stand closures.

Beyond simply cracking down on pyrotechnics, there is also an opportunity for the club to engage more with the fan base about alternative ways to enhance the atmosphere. One potential approach could be offering more support for organised Tifos, large-scale displays, and the introduction of flags and banners across different sections of the stadium. These elements could add to the visual spectacle and intensity of matchday without the associated risks of flares and smoke.

By collaborating with supporters’ groups and encouraging the use of creative, safe alternatives, Rangers could find a middle ground that maintains the passionate atmosphere fans are known for, while avoiding further penalties from UEFA. Engaging with fans on this issue and providing resources for organised displays could be a constructive way forward, helping to build a vibrant, unified matchday experience across the entire stadium.

A Discussion for the Fans

Ultimately, the issue of pyrotechnics at Rangers games is a complex one. For some, it’s an integral part of creating an electric matchday atmosphere, while others may be more concerned about the risks and the consequences for the club. As Rangers fans, we all want to see the team succeed on the pitch and continue to enjoy the passion and energy that makes Ibrox a fortress. Whether the use of pyrotechnics continues or is stamped out will depend on how the fan base and the club choose to address the situation moving forward.

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