The Coventry Smoke Bomb

[Simster]

I love hand-held flares and smoke bombs. Used properly, they are perfectly safe. They add to the atmosphere at European football matches and I'd be perfectly happy to see them used at English games.

I do, however, understand that they are not permitted at English matches - so, obviously, the stewards needed to take action. But I just wish the rules could be different.

Just saying, like.

This.

 

[Lord Bracknell]

Fighting over a flare is a lot more dangerous than letting it burn out (as it must inevitably do). Attempting to confiscate a device in mid-combustion carries the risk that it will be thrown. And that IS dangerous.

 

[Lord Bracknell]

Are they? (genuine question)

Yep. Hundreds of them are ignited and carried around on the streets of Sussex during bonfire processions every autumn.

 

[Bozza]

We used to do flares during the troubled times. Away games during the Gillingham years were, I recall, particularly good vintages for Albion flare lovers.

 

[Pestell]

I think it could be rather lively next Saturday too as Nottingham Forest have always had a top firm.

Shout I wear a helmet?

 

[TS90]

I don't get why they are banned. Is it because the FA thinks straight away that a flare = hooliganism?

 

[bn1&bn3 Albion]

Flares are a bit more dangerous but those smoke bombs are harmless.

 

[LamieRobertson]

Was more interesting watching the stewards try to get nearly all the coventry supporters to sit down 10 mins after they equalised...after 5 mins they sensibly gave up

 

[Cowfold Seagull]

I thought it was the "flarest" thing the Coventry fans did all game!

Thank you ... & goodnight.

 

[Gullys Cats]

got a bit ott

 

[timbha]

the stewards seem to have little effective authority...other than chucking people out. They can't make an arrest, but can get a little punchy.

 

[DanielT]

so taking some to away games, putting it the the stone surround of a aisle stairway (for example) and lighting it - no one could get blamed and kicked out?

 

[Twinkle Toes]

I thought it was the "flarest" thing the Coventry fans did all game!

I came out with that one at the time & got a cuppla groans. I can't say I blame folk either.

ps The flair/smokebomb-fing & the resulting skirmish was the definitely the most entertaining event of the otherwise crap Second Half. I'd imagine it made the Cov fans' day too tbh. Fair play to 'em.

 

[cmonbarrybringonwoody!]

Yep, was better than the awful (CMS and Ankergren apart) second half Albion showing.
Along with the "SISU OUT" banner & song.

Is SISU a poor mans zizou?

 

[cmonbarrybringonwoody!]

Flares are a bit more dangerous but those smoke bombs are harmless.

You can trip up wearing flares, so yes you have a point

 

[slinky]

Yep. Hundreds of them are ignited and carried around on the streets of Sussex during bonfire processions every autumn.

I don't get why they are banned. Is it because the FA thinks straight away that a flare = hooliganism?

the reason that they are carried in Lewes and other bonfire celebrations is that (because letting rookies off in the street is illegal) that the Police recording the parades on the digital camcorders to see people letting off rookies, and the flare completely screws the light sensors in the camera for a few minutes. Also this is the reason that there is a Hooligan stigma associated with Flares.

 

[Dr. Notthenineo'clocknews]

shout i wear a helmet?

I wear a helmet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[8ace]

Fighting over a flare is a lot more dangerous than letting it burn out (as it must inevitably do). Attempting to confiscate a device in mid-combustion carries the risk that it will be thrown. And that IS dangerous.

One of the stewards should have pissed on it.

 

[Seagull on the wing]

I love hand-held flares and smoke bombs. Used properly, they are perfectly safe. They add to the atmosphere at European football matches and I'd be perfectly happy to see them used at English games.

I do, however, understand that they are not permitted at English matches - so, obviously, the stewards needed to take action. But I just wish the rules could be different.

Just saying, like.

I don't think the Bradford fans would agree with you.............

 

[Mr deez]

Pretty weak I thought. Did prompt some kicking off though, as far as I could tell the stewards did well?