Rangers fans play blame game as scattergun Hotline pyro solutions narrow on one SPFL recommendation

The pyro maniacs have lit a fuse on the debate over flares and smoke bombs in Scottish football. Wednesday’s scenes at Dens Park as Rangers fans turned the away end into a fiery red plume has upped the ante for the authorities as they seek a way to douse the growing problem.

It’s not just Gers fans who have been guilty this season though and Hotline callers have had enough. Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “As a Rangers fan I believe my club should be fined for supporters’ use of pyrotechnics as there is no need for them in football or for them to go on general public sale in the first place. I have witnessed first hand a serious injury as a result of pyrotechnics and can assure everyone the sight is not good. I can't understand the security at football grounds. We have pyro taken in by many fans, we have large offensive banners taken in by fans. The issue lies with the club stewards and the clubs.”

Jamie Thompson, Yoker, said: “I agree with others that pyro must be stopped and anyone found with these devices should be banned by their club. All fans should be searched as they enter stadium, is that too much to ask?”

Gordon McIlwraith, Kilmarnock, added: “If pyrotechnics used at a football match cause play to be stopped then the club should be fined.” And Kenny Goff emailed a more scorched earth solution as he said: “After the dreadful night at Dens, surely the SPFL must have a thought in their head to ban all away fans altogether, simple solution.” Not sure that would be too popular...

Meanwhile, Wullie Graham, Bristol, said: “There is no doubt Hearts made the right decision in reducing the Old Firm ticket allocation. We have witnessed the perfect reason for it this last week. Nobody in their right mind would invite