Legia Warsaw flares at Rangers clash saw 16 people injured - but no arrests

[ian1964 10,724]

MORE than a dozen people were injured after pyrotechnics were set off by Legia Warsaw fans inside Ibrox, it can now be revealed.

Figures from a Freedom of Information request, seen by the Evening Times, show that 16 people were treated by medics at the scene after the away supporters set off flares during the Europa League match with Rangers on August 29.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic had to call a halt to the match after 75 minutes, leading players from the pitch as smoke engulfed the stadium. 

Play resumed five minutes later, with Alfredo Morelos scoring in the 90th minute to put Rangers ahead 1-0.

Police say that "due to a lack of identification", there were no arrests as a result of bringing flares into the ground.

Tensions were heightened ahead of the match, with the Ibrox side being forced to close a 3000 seat section of the ground ahead of "racist behavior" from fans during a previous qualifier against St Joseph's.

Before the game, Legia fans also revealed a huge banner depicting Pope John Paul II.

The police FOI response reads: "There were 16 casualties as a direct result of reactions to the smoke produced by flares.

"All casualties were treated at the stadium by First Aid.

"Due to lack of identification, no visiting fans were arrested for bringing flares into the stadium."

The force stressed there was a "robust" searching operation but added the pyrotechnics will have been "intentionally concealed" in difficult areas.

They said: "There was a robust searching operation external to the away turnstiles which was led by club stewards and supported by Public order and conventional officers.

"Modern pyrotechnic devices are designed to have maximum output with minimum size.

"Persons intent on bringing pyrotechnics into football stadia will conceal these items on their person or have them intentionally concealed in areas stewards and police officers would not invasively search.

"National Police Information Point for Scotland continues to monitor all incidents of pyrotechnic at football and reports to the Scottish Government on this continuing trend.

"Police Scotland continues work with football clubs and assist in any searching operations on match days."

After the match, Legia manager Aleksandar Vuković admitted the behaviour was not surprising.

He said: "I'm used to seeing this every week and in every stadium in Poland. I know for here it's a little bit surprising but that's what we're used to seeing from fans.

"I'm not somebody who says 'bravo' to this kind of behaviour but this is how it is in Poland."

https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/18057201.legia-warsaw-flares-rangers-clash-saw-16-people-injured---no-arrests/

[cooponthewing 1,139]

They are F***ing useless and pick their victims. They are a disgrace who are shown up when the Polish, Dutch or perhaps German brigade come to town. 
 

The Scot Squad would rather be drawing Barton’s on waens at U19 matches. We know what kind of people they are behind the uniforms and mask.....

[Gonzo79 15,294]

Must be loads of folk getting injured in the toilets of the Broomloan and Govan stands during half-time, at most home matches then. 

 

I love how foreign fans can piss in the street, in plain view of the Police and set off multiple flares, unhindered but when a Rangers fan says one naughty word, within earshot of PCPlod, he'll get lifted.

 

[RANGERRAB 3,677]

9 minutes ago, Gonzo79 said:

Must be loads of folk getting injured in the toilets of the Broomloan and Govan stands during half-time, at most home matches then. 

 

I love how foreign fans can piss in the street, in plain view of the Police and set off multiple flares, unhindered but when a Rangers fan says one naughty word, within earshot of PCPlod, he'll get lifted.

 

Says more about Polis Alba(or whatever they’re called) than anything else in my opinion