Thistle appeal for fans to cut out pyro and pitch invasions after FOUR kids were injured at play-off
Partick Thistle have urged fans to cut out the pyrotechnic displays after four young fans were injured during their Premiership play-off quarter-final victory at Ayr United last Friday night.
The Firhill club have also warned supporters not to stage any more pitch invasions after hordes of youngsters ran on to the field at Somerset Park in response to Brian Graham’s decisive second goal in the 88th minute.
The game still had seven minutes to go, including stoppage time, and interim player- manager Graham was seen pleading with supporters to get back on the terraces.
It followed similar incidents in Thistle’s recent Championship clash against Falkirk — and Thistle are calling on fans to rein in such behaviour ahead of the first leg of their semi-final against Livingston at Firhill tomorrow.
Now it has emerged there could have been more serious consequences after fans received minor injuries during an illicit pyro display.
A Thistle statement read: ‘The excitement generated has led to incidents that are negatively diluting all the fantastic support the club receives.
The pyrotechnics at Somerset Park on Friday left four young Thistle supporters with injuries
Thistle have issued a statement reminding supporters that pyros are illegal and dangerous
Thistle striker Brian Graham scores the goal that sparked a pitch invasion by travelling fans
‘Whilst the pitch incursions at the home game against Falkirk, and the away game at Ayr, could be described by some as high jinks and were over quickly as people were ushered off the field of play, they are not events that the club can let pass without comment.
‘We would ask that, no matter what happens in the rest of this campaign, there are no more pitch incursions regardless of the excitement, drama or result.
‘It was also reported to the club’s supporters liaison officer that four young supporters suffered minor injuries as a result of pyrotechnics at Somerset Park on Friday.
‘The club understands that some supporters view pyrotechnics as a colourful addition to games. However, the governing bodies in football and society have ruled them illegal.
‘Letting pyrotechnics off increases the risk of Partick Thistle no longer being able to host games without a police presence. Having a police presence has the potential to see the club incur substantial and damaging costs.
‘Please continue to back the club with all the noise and colour that has been on display but please not at the expense of safety.’
Thistle fought back from a 1-0 first-leg deficit to progress 2-1 on aggregate thanks to Graham’s double, the second sparking a late pitch invasion at Somerset Park.
They now play Livingston over two legs tomorrow and Friday, with the winner facing the team that finishes second bottom of the Premiership for a place in the top flight alongside champions Falkirk.
