Malky Mackay calls for action to be taken over pyrotechnics at football grounds that put 'lives in danger' after disruption in Ross County's game against Dundee United
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Ross County manager Malky Mackay has blasted the use of pyrotechnics by fans, saying they pose a danger to life.
Dundee United supporters were the latest to disrupt matches in Dingwall last Saturday, delaying kick off by five minutes due to the amount of flares, beach balls and streamers thrown on to the pitch before the game started.
There were repeat scenes when Nicky Clark equalised for the visitors, forcing another delay, while there were pitch invasions after Clark's winning goal and the full time whistle.
Home fans were not entirely blameless, with a flare going off in the home end too, but that paled in comparison to the antics of the travelling support.
“It’s the last day of the season and there was a kind of carnival atmosphere," Mackay reasoned after the full time whistle.
“What it did was gave us a great atmosphere, with them bringing so many fans with them.
“But that safety aspect, with pyrotechnics coming on, is something that needs to stop in Scottish football as it can hurt people. People have actually got to lift those off the pitch, and they are 500 degrees.
"I really don’t enjoy that at all, and it happened too much.
“I’m fine with the party atmosphere and people spilling on and off, as it’s one of those days, but the pyrotechnics need to be looked at and addressed.
“People are behaving in a certain way now they are back at football, which didn’t really happen before. It’s something that across the board isn’t acceptable, if we are talking about safety at football clubs, and respect at grounds for anything and everything.
“There are stewards trying to get these things off the park is putting their lives in danger."
The full time disruption delayed County's lap of honour to close out the season, but Mackay was delighted to eventually have the chance to acknowledge their own fans.
“We were at home and I took the players in as I knew it would calm down," he added.
“It was good to get this appreciation. I spoke to the players and told them to have their 10 seconds of disappointment – even then they got five seconds.
“I wanted them to get back out there, as this is about the 38 game season and making sure they are proud of who they are, of who their families are and the badge.
“They have to be proud of what they have achieved for Ross County this season because a lot of them are not going to be here next year. That group will split up now, and it’s just important they go and thank their fans.
“As the year has gone on, there has been a real connection between our fans and players. People have started to see that we're playing attractive football, and that the players are playing for the jersey.
"They've been willing to go and give their all for the club, and I think that has been appreciated, so it was only right that the fans and the players got to mix."
