The Pro League, the association of professional football clubs, wants to start a pilot project to allow controlled fireworks in football stadiums. That writes De Standaard and has been confirmed by CEO Lorin Parys. “If the Ministry of the Interior gives the green light, we aim for the beginning of next season.”
The pilot project is accompanied by a whole series of conditions. The fireworks should not be used during competitions and would only be allowed in certain areas without an audience.
Only adult supporters should be allowed to light the fireworks and those fans must follow training at the fire brigade.
Fire arrows or smoke bombs that cause a lot of nuisance remain prohibited.
Parys: “Are in talks with Home Affairs”
Pro League CEO Lorin Parys explains the idea. Where does it come from? “We have listened very carefully to the fans, both the fans who want this kind of experience as part of a match, and the fans who want safety in the stadiums to be guaranteed.”
The proposal for a controlled pilot project was made some time ago, says Parys. But it is now in the news, because a similar legislative initiative was published in France last week in the Official Gazette.
“We are discussing with the Ministry of the Interior how we want to ensure that we can use pyrotechnic material in a stadium in a very controlled manner.”
At a pre-arranged place and time by adult supporters who have followed training at the fire brigade.
The Pro League has already made a few agreements with the supporters: “These must be adult supporters who are registered with the club and who have followed training with the fire brigade. They must also be skilled in first aid.”
Conditions also apply to place and time: “That would happen at a pre-arranged location in the stadium, but not during the match, but at an agreed time.”
And of course the police and fire brigade must also give their approval.
Parys is now counting on approval from the Ministry of the Interior to effectively launch the pilot project. “We want to try to provide a safe and very atmospheric experience in the stadium.”
The approach should provide an answer to the many incidents with flares earlier this season, in which matches were stopped. Just think of Charleroi-KV Mechelen and Standard-Anderlecht.
This season is too short a day for the pilot project, Parys realizes: “If we get a positive answer from the Home Office, we aim for the beginning of next season.”
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