Western Morning News (Saturday)
Fans warned to behave ahead of Devon Derby
Police issue a warning to supporters planning to use flares or other pyrotechnics
FOOTBALL fans have been warned against using flares at next week’s Devon derby between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City.
Home Park is expected to host a bumper sell-out crowd of over 16,000 for the fixture on the night of Halloween.
The possession of a smoke bomb or flare itself is a crime, and would see offending clubs fined by the FA. Devon and Cornwall Police say that anyone found with a pyrotechnic will be refused entry to the match and face possible arrest.
The warning comes amid a rise in flares being used within and around football grounds since crowds returned after the pandemic. At Monday’s Devon derby, which will be aired on Sky Sports, local officers will be supported by the Avon and Somerset Mounted Section, the Alliance Drone Unit and by colleagues from The British Transport Police.
Chief Inspector Julian Pezzani said: “Our role for matchday is quite simple, and that is to enable fans to peacefully attend a football match and to return home safely.
“As a Force we are experienced in policing large scale sporting events. The match is an all-ticketed affair and has sold out so there will be over 16,000 in attendance, and we have worked closely with both Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City in the build up to this to ensure a smooth night.
“The vast majority of those in attendance will be supporters who simply want to enjoy a good match. That said, a strong police presence will be in Plymouth throughout the day and anyone who is intent on causing a disturbance will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.”
They added: “Since crowds have been able to return to stadiums, we have seen nationally a rise in the number of pyros such as flares being used within and around football grounds.
“Not only is this dangerous to spectators and will see offending clubs fined by the FA, possession of a smoke bomb or flare is itself a crime.
“If you are in possession en-route or attempt to enter a Home Park with one, they will be confiscated, you will be refused entry to the match and you run the risk of arrest. There will be full and through searches at the stadium, so please don’t bring these items with you.”
Plymouth Argyle’s Head of Venue, Christian Kent, said: “Tickets are sold out for this fixture, we thank fans for their wonderful backing of the team.
“We are also grateful for the support of Devon and Cornwall Police, who share our desire to see the focus of the evening remain on the field of play. Plymouth Argyle is a family club, and we have a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour.”
A spokesman for Exeter City Football Club said: “Monday’s game is something that our supporters have been looking forward to since the fixtures were released.
“We hope they will show their pride and passion for our club in the right manner and with the fixture being shown live on national television this is a great opportunity for them to demonstrate their fantastic support.
“We urge all Exeter City fans to travel on official coaches and for those travelling by train to be respectful to fellow passengers. We’d also like to thank Devon and Cornwall Police and Plymouth Argyle for the extensive work undertaken in planning for this match.”