Wales and Poland fans have been asked not to bring pyrotechnics to the UEFA Euro 2024 play-off final on Tuesday evening.
The last time the two teams met back in September 2022 at the Cardiff City Stadium, seven Poland fans were arrested, with four of these arrests due to the possession of pyrotechnics.
Wales and Poland fans warned about pyrotechnics possession
Wales fans let off flares during World Cup play-off wins against Austria and Ukraine in 2022. As a result, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) was fined more than £14,500 by FIFA.
Ahead of the final on Tuesday, the FAW said: “There is no safe use of pyrotechnics in spectator areas at football events with their use having many health risks and dangers such as loss of sight, limb or digit removal due to their explosive power.
“Any person committing such an offence faces an FA Wales ban, probable arrest and a minimum 3-year Football Banning Order.
“Additionally, should persons be identified using pyrotechnics in places of public assembly away from and en route to the stadium, they can be issued with section 34 notices and be instructed to leave the area with details passed to the FAW, Cardiff City Stadium and the authorities.
“This may result in entry to the stadium being denied.”
‘Policing plan is in place’ – South Wales Police prepare for critical match
A win for Wales would see them qualify for their second consecutive major international tournament. While South Wales Police acknowledge the importance of the match on Tuesday, they have alerted supporters to the strict sanctions in place for people found in possession of a pyrotechnic device.
Superintendent Steve Rees said to the PA news agency, “South Wales Police has vast experience in the policing of major international sporting events which have been held successfully in South Wales over many years and a policing plan is in place for this important fixture for Wales.
“Being in possession of a pyrotechnic device at a football match, or attempting to bring one into a football stadium, is a criminal offence, and anyone found guilty of committing such an offence faces arrest and a Football Banning Order.
“We work closely with Cardiff City Stadium whose staff are responsible for ensuring that supporters abide by stadium regulations.
“As always we would encourage those attending the match to follow the supporter advice published by the Football Association of Wales.”