Supporter Update | Use of Pyrotechnic Devices

Ahead of Tuesday evening’s trip to the Kassam Stadium to face Oxford United, the club would like to issue a reminder to supporters of their responsibility to ensure that Argyle matches – home and away – should be safe, inclusive, and enjoyable for all.

Saturday’s Sky Bet League One victory over Portsmouth in front of a sold-out Home Park crowd, which sent the Greens back to the top of the table, was an extremely positive afternoon for everyone associated with Argyle. However, as noted in the referee’s report following the fixture, a pyrotechnic device was discharged in the celebrations following Finn Azaz’s goal in the second half.

This smoke bomb is not an isolated event, and the club has received several written warnings from the Football Association (FA) regarding these incidents over the course of the season.

As a result, the club is exposed to the threat of significant financial penalties, should the FA consider the club’s efforts to eradicate this behaviour insufficient.

As all supporters will be fully aware, Argyle’s approach to operations is to eke out the maximum return on investment across all areas of the club to achieve our aim of becoming a sustainable Championship outfit. Paying fines for repeated breaches of ground regulations will inevitably see that spend reduced in the areas that matter to supporters, including facilities enhancements and the football budget.

Your support has had a huge influence on the enviable position the club is in as we approach the run in. On Tuesday night, another capacity away following will lend their vociferous and unwavering support to Steven Schumacher’s side, and we are extremely grateful for that.

However, the decision-making of a tiny minority of followers could penalise the club we are all working together to build, and, in the case of pyrotechnic devices, place other supporters’ health and safety at risk.

We urge all supporters to consider the consequences of poor behaviour for themselves, their fellow supporter, and the club, when attending Argyle matches.

The club is fully behind the Premier League and EFL’s collective campaign – Love Football. Protect the Game – and will continue to work with footballing authorities, local stakeholders, and other clubs to ensure that criminal behaviours are eradicated, and those responsible are identified.

Thank you for your cooperation.