Scottish National Party MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, John Mason, has uncovered information concerning a huge increase in the number of pyrotechnics being used at football matches throughout Scotland.

Statistics provided by Police Scotland show that pyrotechnic devices have been confiscated over fifty times during this football season alone.  The figures uncovered by the Shettleston MSP show an almost 300% increase from season 2010/2011.

Commenting on the figures, the SNP’s John Mason MSP said:

“These figures are very concerning.  With football attendances declining – including at my own club, Clyde – it is important that we do all we can to encourage people back to the games.  You can understand why families are reluctant to take their kids to games when there is anti-social behaviour such as using fireworks or flares.  Of course we want to encourage a lively atmosphere at football matches but these devices are extremely dangerous and can cause extensive damage as was the case at Falkirk earlier in the season.

“We know from the study carried out by the UK Home Office that this is not only a problem in Scotland.  Indeed it has been a problem at football games throughout Europe but the UK Home Office has done some useful work into looking at fireworks, etc. at games in England and we need to take it seriously in Scotland too.  I would like to see Police, local and national government, clubs and supporters groups get round the table to discuss this issue and take a stand on what seems to be an increasingly serious issue”.