Scottish football clubs are pushing for stronger legal powers to ban fans who bring flares and fireworks into stadiums. They want updated court-issued Football Banning Orders (FBOs) to better address the growing use of pyrotechnics at matches.
An expert group set up by the Scottish government says current banning laws are outdated and not used effectively. Despite a 2023 law making it illegal to carry flares at events, the law is rarely enforced.
Between August 2024 and February 2025, only five FBOs were issued in Scotland. This marks a sharp drop from 37 in the previous season and 59 in 2022/23. Police had requested 226 FBOs in 2023/24 for convicted offenders, but courts issued only a fraction of that number.
Since 2013, a total of 504 FBOs have been issued in Scotland. Many of them relate to the pitch invasion after the 2016 Scottish Cup Final between Rangers and Hibernian. Rangers and Hibs fans top the list for FBOs.
The expert group—made up of football league officials, police, prosecutors, and stadium safety officers—says FBOs need to be “modernised and broadened.” They agree that FBOs are a stronger deterrent than bans issued by individual clubs.
The group praised changes made in England and Wales in 2022, where courts now usually issue an FBO for football-related crimes unless there’s a strong reason not to. Since then, FBO numbers rose by 21% across England and Wales, reaching 825 last season.
To make banning orders more flexible, the Scottish group suggests shorter bans for first-time offenders. They say this would help judges impose more proportionate penalties.
Although new legislation banning fireworks and flares at football matches came into force in June 2023, the group says it is rarely used. Identifying and charging fans under the new law remains difficult. Members also say the pyrotechnic law does not link well with FBO rules.
Since the new law was introduced, only 26 FBOs have been issued for pyrotechnic-related offences.
In response, the Scottish government says it will consult on updating FBO laws to improve their use and ensure they work better against pyrotechnic misuse.
Ultra Groups in Focus
Much of the pyrotechnic use comes from “ultra” supporter groups—typically younger fans known for creating colorful displays and chants. These groups have become a central part of the football atmosphere in Scotland but are not always welcomed by clubs or safety officials.
One senior SPFL official, speaking anonymously, said clubs must build better relationships with these fans. He believes working with them to create safety boundaries is key.
“We have to be careful with pyro—smoke can seriously harm people with health issues,” he said. “Young fans often don’t see the risk. But if we engage with them and agree on rules, we can manage it.”
He added that the Tartan Army, Scotland’s national team supporters, improved their behavior through self-policing and that clubs could encourage similar behavior among ultra groups.
Serious Risks Highlighted at Dundee vs Rangers Match
A major incident last season showed the danger of uncontrolled pyrotechnics. During a 2023 Premiership match between Dundee and Rangers, red flares lit up the away stand at Dens Park. The smoke triggered fire alarms and forced players off the pitch for nearly 20 minutes.
A safety review found that masked Rangers supporters entered the stand with flares before kick-off. Stewards were aware but did not receive instructions to act. Once the game started, the flares were lit and filled the stadium with smoke.
The report, compiled by Dundee’s stadium safety group, said the match response was confused. It wasn’t clear if fire marshals had been deployed, and a police superintendent had to take control.
No arrests were made, but Police Scotland’s Superintendent Iain Wales warned, “It’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.”
As flare use continues to rise across Scottish football, clubs, safety officials, and the government agree stronger legal tools—and better cooperation with fans—are urgently needed.
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