Efl getting tough on people bringing pyro into grounds minimum 3 year ban https://www.efl.com/news/2017/novem...as-efl-tackles-footballs-pyrotechnic-problem/
Bonkers stuff. Yes it's juvenile and doesn't particulary look good when one spotty oik lets loose a ten bob smoke bomb. Thing is though, look at some of the top leagues in world football. Germany for ex is a health and safety obsessed country similar to ours but they don't half know how to put on a show: this only appears to be a problem in this country.
Does that show include the smell of burning flesh. These things can cause serious injury and even death. I'd hardly call it juvenile.
Cars are dangerous but billions of people drive them everyday. Getting in and out of the bath can be dangerous: slippery when wet. In the 40 odd years of watching barnsley, everton and frickley i have had bottles, bricks and coins rained down on me. I have been punched and kicked. Never been injured by a smoke bomb though.
It's not really accepted in Germany. As soon as it starts there's messages over the tannoy, etc. with warnings about it. They're always being video'd although they're usually covered up. In places like Poland the Police actually collect the used pyro at the end of the game for fingerprints and then track down the culprits. It's not as "welcome" as you may think mate. Personally, I think it looks cracking and if you're in a standing/ultras section, you should expect it. As long as nobheads don't start chucking it about, it can create a decent atmosphere. I think it looks a bit naff in the UK though, just a bunch of spotty kids desperate to copy the other European countries.
Never said 'welcome'. It appears to be a part of german football crowd culture ( plus many other european countries). It hardly appears like massive strides are taking place to eradicate it.
I know you never said "welcome" - But a lot of people in Germany are against it, so not as widely as accepted as you may think. I know of a few who have been banned in Germany for their participation in pyro.
But it's pretty evident at most matches and it's not one or two spotty oiks. It doesn't work in this country cos we can't put on a show: we're miserable at it. Look at our pitiful flags and banners compared to the huge 'artworks' that predominate on the continent.
It probably doesn't happen as much as you think, to be honest. Ultras groups like to try and outdo each other when it comes to putting on a "show" if you like. These are big groups of fanatics who all chip in for the pyro, flags, etc. and even collect money from the normal fans outside the stadiums to help fund it all. A completely different culture to the UK, which I think is a good thing, it's not what football in the UK has ever been about so I don't see the sudden need to try and copy other countries, perhaps social media is to blame.
Organised smoke bombs / canisters are allowed in the MLS. Game in Orlando I went to on holiday had them in specially designed holders positionsed at various points at the front of their safe standing section. They’re organised by supporters groups who work with the club, to make sure everything is safe and controlled.
The cringe-fest which is MLS. How did you find it? I follow a page of Facebook showing the Ultras in MLS and it is genuinely the funnest page I've ever come across.
Went to a few bars pre-match down West Church Street. It was a similar atmosphere to a Wembley game. Bars were full, streets shut off, fan zones. Street foods, music, freebies. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Very young and mixed crowd. Almost as many female as male fans. Entry into ground was electronic ticket and you had to go through airport style security to get in. Metal detectors with clear bag only policy of a certain size. Once through you were wrist band tagged. Facilities for fans once inside were amazing. Food options: Carved sirloin or turkey, popcorn, pretzels, tacos, salad bar, fresh sandwiches, ice cream, etc.. Drink options had Import beers, Craft beers, Local beers even a Cocktail bar. The drinks you could take to your seat, or standing area. Cup holder on your rail. Fans in ‘The Wall’ were none stop singing. Orchestrated by a number of fans at the front who were on platforms / designated areas. These were where the smoke canisters were set off. Think their interpretation of ultras is different to Europe. There aren't really any opposing fans. So it’s all a show, nothing violent or directed at anyone. Just flag waving, dressing up, face painting, singing and generally enjoying themselves. Icelandic clap when taking free kicks (cringe). The quality of football was poor though. Very defensive with little in the box action. Most shots were from outside the area. Game finished 1-1. After game there were bars outside the ground where you could carry on drinking and eating into the night. Well worth a visit if your out there.
Don't see why we couldn't stick to chucking bog rolls!, never did anybody any harm although you had to feel sorry for the poor buggers who dashed in desperate for a pre-match dump without checking 'supplies' first
