STAGGIES’ MACKAY WARNING OF PYRO DANGERS

Ross County manager Malky Mackay insists the increasing prevalence of pyrotechnics in Scottish football is endangering the lives of stewards.

The Staggies’ clash with Dundee United on Saturday had to be delayed on several occasions due to smoke bombs being thrown on to the pitch from the away end at the Global Energy Stadium.

There were also two incursions on to the field by supporters – after Nicky Clark’s 89th-minute winner and at full-time.

“Pyrotechnics coming on is something that needs to stop in Scottish football,” said Mackay.

“It can hurt people. “People need to lift those off the pitch and they are 500 degrees.

“I really don’t enjoy that. And it happened too much.

“People are behaving in a certain way now they are back at football which didn’t really happen before.

“It’s something that, across the board, isn’t acceptable.

“There are stewards trying to get these things off the park.

“It’s putting their lives in danger.”

Speaking after Mackay’s comments, United counterpart Tam Courts said: “That (pyro) seems to be the way fans want to showcase themselves in a carnival atmosphere.

“The fans pitched up in huge numbers and gave us tremendous backing. We certainly felt that presence.”

Kevin McDonald suffered a slight shoulder knock as fans spilled on to the pitch following Clark’s winner.

Meanwhile, the pitch invasion at full-time occurred despite repeated warnings over the tannoy at the Global Energy Stadium.

Courts added: “The Dundee United fans have been so starved of success for a club of this size, and have given us absolutely everything home and away this season.

“I think they can be forgiven for being a bit over-zealous.”