Scanlon targets 'pyrotechnics', reveals LOI TV strategy

SSE Airtricity League director Mark Scanlon says they are keen to "stamp out" the increased use of pyrotechnics at League of Ireland grounds and outlined the FAI's thinking on their streaming strategy ahead of the 2022 season.

Defending champions Shamrock Rovers were originally hit with a one-game stadium ban, pushing their first home game of the season behind closed doors, as a result of the scenes in their away match against Waterford FC in the RSC late last season, when fireworks emanating from the away support landed on the pitch, halting the match for a period.

Following an appeal, the stadium ban was reversed on Wednesday, though the champions were landed with an increased fine of €5,000.

While pyrotechnics have become a staple of domestic football culture in the 21st century, producing colourful displays such as the one in advance of last November's FAI Cup final, league director Scanlon says the football authorities regard the phenomenon as part of a concerning trend, of a piece with crowd disturbances elsewhere in Europe.

"Across all clubs this year we are making sure that we have a system that can stamp out the increased numbers of pyrotechnics that we saw across last year," Scanlon told RTÉ Sport at the SSE Airtricity League launch in Clarehall, Dublin.

"It was across a number of grounds and clubs. Obviously areas like ground invasions and missiles which we have seen again from the reports all across Europe.

Shamrock Rovers one game stadium ban lifted as the League of Ireland and Women's National League launch takes place in Clarehall - @CorkTOD speaks to Stephen Bradley, Damien Duff and Pearl Slattery ahead of the 2022 season #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/yLmmnLhDyS

"We have seen this increase since fans have come