Football fans are under investigation after setting off smoke bombs, flares and “thunderflash” pyrotechnics as Crystal Palace scored a shock victory over rivals Chelsea on Saturday.
A 31-year-old fan was arrested and charged for possession of a flare and a 24-year-old arrested on suspicion of possession of a flare after several devices were let off in the away end at Stamford Bridge, police said.
Officers also discovered flares and pyrotechnic devices hidden inside the toilets of the Chelsea ground, and a rucksack full of pyrotechnics was found in the nearby Brompton cemetery. A photo of the bag’s contents, supplied by police, also showed homemade balaclavas in red and blue, the Crystal Palace colours.
While such devices are common at football matches overseas, crowds in UK stadiums are banned from using them. Officers are reviewing footage from the match to identify other suspects.
“Flares and pyrotechnic devices inside stadiums are very dangerous and they can reach extremely high temperatures,” inspector Matt Ashmead from the Metropolitan police’s central football unit said.
“There is a very good reason that they are banned from football matches, as they can cause horrific injuries and can also be frightening for the many young fans that attend matches.
“Some fans might think that setting off a flare is a good way to support your team, but it is putting yourself and fellow fans at risk.”
Crystal Palace, who have spent most of the season fighting relegation, thrilled fans on Saturday by ending their London rivals’ 13-game unbeaten run at home.
Also arrested during the match were two men, aged 18 and 27, who accepted cautions for possession of class A drugs. A 19-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of assault and possessing class A drugs was released on bail until mid-May pending further enquiries.
