ARBROATH have urged their fans to help them find two individuals who they say “embarrassed the club” by throwing pyro onto the pitch during the very first competitive match of the SPFL season
The Gayfield side unfurled the League One title flag on Friday night against Ayr Utd as they put in an accomplished display in a 1-1 draw against Scott Brown’s Championship promotion hopefuls.
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But the indcident was marred by a stoppage in play just after Jamie Murphy had opened the scoring for the visitors – caused by two players being thrown into the visitors goalmouth.
It was captured live on BBC – with SPFL chief executive in attendance.
League bosses are cracking down more closely than in recent seasons on pyrotechnics offences – particularly when stoppages are caused to live broadcasts.
Celtic, Aberdeen and Partick Thistle were all served with notices of complaint for their fans’ use of pyro in games at the end of last season – and it could cost the clubs ticket allocations at Hampden in future matches.
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Arbroath released a stinging response online, asking fans to shop their fellow supporters, and saying they’re not the kind of fans they want at their matches going forward.
They wrote: “We would like to thank over 1000 Lichties who attended Gayfield Park to support the team tonight – and we continue to value your support week in, week out as the league progresses.
“However, we had two individuals throw burning pyrotechnic devices above our fans’ heads in a confined space, which then landed on the pitch, damaging our playing surface while putting our fans, stewards and the players at severe safety risk.
“Therefore it is within Arbroath FC’s best interests to hold those accountable for their actions, as we strive for our stadium to be a safe place to attend.
“To the two individuals – you have not only embarrassed yourselves, you have embarrassed the club within the community, on national television and in front of SPFL delegates.
“This is not a fair representation of our club, and absolutely not the impression we wish to give on our return to the championship.
“The current law on pyrotechnics is clear, they are forbidden within stadiums. The club has to follow the SPFL’s unacceptable conduct rules, which highlights the possession and discharge of pyrotechnics – in which we as a club must demonstrate an appropriate response.
“At this time we ask anyone that can identify the two individuals that have harmed our club and potential supporters to come forward to we can remove these types of individuals from our ground.
“These are not the type of individuals we seek support from as they have demonstrated a clear lack of respect for our club, fans, players and safety of all.”
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