Police fire warning to footie fans ahead of crucial Euro 2024 play-off final with crowd trouble fears

WALES and Poland fans have been given a fresh warning over the dangers of flares ahead of tonight’s Euro 2024 play-off final in Cardiff.

Seven Polish supporters were arrested following a fiery Nations League clash at the 33,000-capacity Cardiff City Stadium back in September 2022, including four for the possession of a pyrotechnic device.

Poland won 1-0 in the last clash between the sides back in September 2022 at the Cardiff City StadiumRex

Police clashed with Polish fans before Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League tie with Legia WarsawRex

Flares were lit by the Poles during the national anthems before kick-off and then throughout the match.

While a firework was also set off from the away section seconds after Karol Swiderski’s 57th minute winner.

Now the Football Association of Wales and South Wales Police have joined forces in a bid to clamp down on crowd trouble.

The sell-out Euro tie is a huge clash with a spot at the finals in Germany this summer up for grabs.

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.”  

South Wales Police added their voice to the security issue with supporters repeatedly warned that the use of pyrotechnics in stadiums are banned and will incur sanctions.

Superintendent Steve Rees added: “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.”

Victory will book a spot against the Netherlands, France and Austria in Group D of Euro 2024 this summer.

Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League showdown with Legia Warsaw in November was marred by crowd trouble, with 46 Polish fans charged after violent clashes with police.

The FAW were fined more than £14,500 by FIFA after home fans let off flares during 2022 World Cup play-off victories over Austria and Ukraine in Cardiff.  

In 1993, John Hill died after being hit by a flare at the old National Stadium in Cardiff at Wales’ World Cup qualifier against Romania.

At the final whistle, two men on the opposite side of the stadium let off a marine distress flare that travelled over the pitch and struck the 67-year-old.