As every Luton Town supporter basks in the euphoria of a first home derby win with fans present for almost 30 years, we would like to thank everyone for their contribution to such a memorable day – one that some would have feared might never happen again.
The performance on the pitch was matched in equal measure by the noise and passion for our Club shown in the stands, and there is little doubt that the atmosphere helped the players and management pull off another great result, as they have acknowledged publicly.
There is a major issue, however, that needs to be addressed ahead of our next home match against Blackpool on Easter Monday, and that is the smuggling in and subsequent use of smoke devices and pyrotechnics.
It is a serious issue that could cost the Club dearly, as well as the individuals involved.
More importantly, it could cost innocent supporters whose health and safety is being put at risk by such irresponsible behaviour. On Saturday, six of your fellow Hatters had to receive medical treatment for breathing difficulties caused by the smoke from devices that were set off across a number of occasions.
We understand that some supporters may believe smoke adds to the atmosphere on a matchday, and here at Kenilworth Road we have had very little historical issue with such devices. Previous incidents have come from visiting fans, so as a Club we haven’t previously needed to emphasise our policy.
However, the use of smoke devices and pyro of any kind presents the Club with a number of very serious problems that endanger other supporters and players’ safety, cost money, cause pitch damage and could ultimately lead to parts of the ground being closed.
The most serious concern is that they can get extremely hot, which in a wooden stand – as we all know our 100-year-old Main Stand is – could be catastrophic.
The smoke itself can set off fire alarms under the stand which, if triggered, would almost definitely lead to an immediate stadium evacuation, which we were fortunate enough to escape on Saturday.
Ultimately bringing any form of smoke device or pyro into Kenilworth Road is a dangerous offence that will cause harm, cost money and damage our football progress on the pitch.
CCTV is currently being studied to find the perpetrators from Saturday, and we would like to firmly reiterate that carrying or introducing, or being responsible for minors introducing any of these devices into Kenilworth Road is strictly forbidden, illegal and will absolutely result in a lengthy ban, regardless of age, especially due to the age and construction of our old stadium.
At least one supporter was found in possession of a smoke device on Saturday, and has been issued a Club ban and is now subject to prosecution.
For the avoidance of doubt, that means any adult supporter responsible for a child who is caught bringing smoke devices into the stadium – as was also the case on Saturday – will be banned along with the junior supporter.
Potentially a family’s favourite activity together is taken away for a very long time, as the EFL’s recommended period of suspension for a supporter for this type of offence is three years and it covers all grounds.
Being in possession of a pyrotechnic device is a criminal offence. Is it really worth getting arrested and banned for?
It would be a shame for any supporter to miss out on what promises to be a truly memorable era in the club’s history, with the team in a great place in the league and a new stadium on the horizon, for an act of ignorance that affects not only yourself, but your fellow fans and relatives.
For this reason, we would politely ask supporters to be vigilant for games starting on Monday with Blackpool’s visit to the Kenny. We also kindly ask all supporters to arrive a few minutes earlier than usual to allow for stewards to carry out additional searches upon entry, for which we thank you in advance for your patience.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CONSEQUENCES AMD SANCTIONS, PLEASE REVIEW THE EFL'S 'LOVE FOOTBALL, PROTECT THE GAME' CAMPAIGN THAT WAS LAUNCHED AHEAD OF THIS SEASON.
