Reading FC issues a statement regarding pyrotechnics following five arrests in as many weeks during football games.

Following Reading FC football matches, Thames Valley Police have made five arrests in as many weeks, according to the department.

A variety of offenses are the subject of the arrests; four occurred during Reading’s match against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday, and one occurred during the game against Swindon Town back in October.

A Bristol resident, 26, was taken into custody on suspicion of racially aggravated public order following racist taunts directed against the players during the Bristol Rovers game.
A 30-year-old man and a 15-year-old kid from Bristol were taken into custody on suspicion of possessing a flare after one of them was thrown into the lower stands during the same game from the higher stands.

A 31-year-old man, also from Bristol, was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a flare after an offender was found in possession of a flare while leaving the stadium.

A 19-year-old man from Newbury was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder following an incident at the Reading FC vs Swindon Town FC match at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Tuesday, October 10.
As such, they explained that there was “a commitment to taking strong and decisive action against any fans found attempting to bring a banned item into a ground or those who discharge pyrotechnics.”

It continued: “On Tuesday evening, thanks to the prompt reactions of our dedicated stewards and the exceptional work from senior safety and security staff at the club, a number of pyrotechnic-related incidents within the crowd were correctly and efficiently dealt with as the Royals hosted Bristol Rovers.

Courtesy of the swift but diligent work from a number of permanent and matchday staff, four visiting supporters who were involved in the igniting and throwing of pyrotechnics in the direction of the home fans and towards the field of play during the match were quickly identified using CCTV footage.”

While three pyrotechnic missiles were thrown during the match, the club confirmed that nobody suffered any injuries, including a man who was hit but declined medical assistance.

They thanked home supporters, saying: “Pyrotechnics can be extremely dangerous and contravene all clubs’ ground regulations.

We express our gratitude to all home supporters who refrained from partaking in this exceedingly risky activity on Tuesday evening.Reading Football Club, however, would like to take this opportunity to remind all fans that using pyrotechnic devices inside the Select Car Leasing Stadium is strictly forbidden, and that, as we’ve shown this week, serious consequences will follow if any of these devices are discharged.