August 30, 2017 12.31 pm This story is over 79 months old

Smoke bomb sparks reassurances from police and Lincoln City

Lincolnshire Police and Lincoln City FC have issues safety reassurances to fans after a smoke bomb was thrown into Sincil Bank on Bank Holiday Saturday. A blue smoke bomb landed on the pitch a few minutes before full-time during Lincoln’s 4-1 victory over Carlisle United over the Bridge McFarland Stand. Police said they suspect that a Carlisle fan threw the…
The smoke bomb was set off during Lincoln's game against Carlisle United

Lincolnshire Police and Lincoln City FC have issues safety reassurances to fans after a smoke bomb was thrown into Sincil Bank on Bank Holiday Saturday.

A blue smoke bomb landed on the pitch a few minutes before full-time during Lincoln’s 4-1 victory over Carlisle United over the Bridge McFarland Stand.

Police said they suspect that a Carlisle fan threw the smoke bomb over the stand while in the coach park area.

It is illegal to carry a pyrotechnic into a football ground.

Smoke bombs or flares are prohibited from being thrown in a public place and can seriously impact people who suffer from asthma or breathing difficulties and also burn at incredibly high temperatures.

Assistant Chief Constable Shaun West, Gold Commander for Lincoln City football fixtures, said: ”I would like to reassure those fans who were present at Lincoln’s terrific win on Saturday that this is being thoroughly investigated.

“Flares and smoke bombs have long been a feature at football grounds across Europe but what many fans don’t realise is they can be extremely dangerous.

“If this had landed in the crowd it could have caused panic and we could have had a real problem on our hands.”

Lincoln City FC Stadium Manager Darren Curtis added: “The use of smoke bombs in football stadia is anti-social and a health hazard and Lincoln City Football Club condemns the use and inappropriate application of such items and reminds supporters that such use is illegal.

“Anyone seen in possession or seen to throw a flare or smoke bomb is liable to arrest and a subsequent banning order.”

It is illegal to carry a pyrotechnic into a football ground and anyone caught doing so could receive a three-month custodial sentence and is likely to be banned from future matches.

Police and the club have urged football fans to contact steward if they have concerns about any games.