Keith Hackett believes Tottenham figures will be working behind the scenes to ensure the supporter – or supporters – who chucked a flare onto the field against Arsenal is handed a ban.
Play was temporarily halted in the second half of Sunday’s North London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which ended in a 4-1 loss for Spurs on a day to forget for Igor Tudor in his first match in charge.
The blue flare eventually went out, but it follows a worrying recent trend of supporters letting them off in stands – and indeed some then launching them onto the field of play.
And in the view of former PGMOL chief Hackett, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, it is something Spurs and others need to quickly nip in the bud.
Keith Hackett urges Tottenham to act as flare launched onto field vs Arsenal
Flares are banned from British sporting grounds, yet a number of fans still manage to get them through the turnstiles.
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Sharing his views on the matter, Hackett said: “Oh no! This is not what we want to witness in the Premier League. It could start a trend.
“So find the culprit and ban him. The club security will already be discussing this to find ways to stop it. We have witnessed this in UEFA games and up in Scotland of late. Stop it now!”
What consequences can be expected for those carrying a flare?
As per the Sporting Events Act 1985, carrying a flare, smoke bomb or firework into a football stadium in the UK is a criminal offence. Possession of pyrotechnics, even if not lit, is illegal.
Those caught can be sentences to up to three months in prison or handed hefty fines, which is more likely.
Banning orders are also possible, which is something that has been seen in the past at other clubs.
While many will disagree with the laws in place, they are there for a reason. Many have been hurt by flares that have been let off in the stands.
The rules are ultimately there for a reason, and as Hackett says, those responsible should be banned in order to send out a message to others.