Football stadiums need stronger access controls and better coordination to tackle the persistent problem of fireworks being set off during matches, according to a report published on Monday by the independent Football and Safety Audit Team.
The team says technology could play an important role. It highlights measures such as scanning gates, handheld scanners, and smart cameras. Improvements could also be made by tightening controls on staff, suppliers, and access to different areas of stadiums.
The report stresses that better coordination is essential. “Much of what is needed to reduce fireworks is not new. Agreements were made and an action plan drawn up as early as 2018. Looking back, we must conclude that too little has come of its implementation,” the authors write.
According to the report, good intentions alone were not enough. The organisations involved “did not hold each other accountable enough” for carrying out the agreed measures.
The authors also point to the ongoing problem of identifying offenders. “Face-covering clothing (including balaclavas) and large cloths play a crucial role in frustrating identification,” the report states.
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