Police dogs to search for pyrotechnics at Dundee FC game after young fan injured

Police officers and specialist dogs will be searching for pyrotechnics during Dundee FC’s match on Saturday after a young fan was seriously injured in an incident last week.

Levi Rennie was in the away end at McDiarmid Park on March 30 for his team’s clash with rivals St Johnstone when he was hit in the face by a flare.

The ten-year-old was left “screaming hysterically” with one side of his face “completely black” before he was rushed to see a paramedic at the grounds.

The youngster was suffered a burn above his left eye and could have to undergo plastic surgery.

If Dundee FC’s game against Motherwell FC goes ahead, police said a “proportionate” plan, including searches, would be in place to maintain pubic safety.

Chief Inspector Gordon Fotheringham said: “Searching will be in place at the game, with the additional use of specialist dogs to prevent the use of pyrotechnics.

“Taking pyrotechnics into a football stadium is not only an offence, but also extremely dangerous. I’d ask people to think of the impact it could have on those around you, particularly people with medical conditions, young children, and elderly.

“It is disappointing and worrying that despite repeated warnings about the risk pyrotechnics bring, a small minority continue to smuggle them into matches.

“We are working closely with both teams to ensure the match goes ahead safely.”

Dundee FC also issued a statement ahead of the match warning fans that they would be ejected from the stadium is caught bringing in pyrotechnics.

They said: “The Club want to take this opportunity to remind all supporters of the very real risks and dangers involved in bringing pyrotechnics to the stadium. It is now specifically illegal to do so and if detected you are liable to be at best ejected from the stadium and at worst arrested and charged.

“Sanctions will undoubtedly follow from the Club, which will include a ban from attending matches and buying tickets for any match which is being sold by the Club.

“Don’t put yourself or others at risk. Enjoy the match and support your team.

“We want to thank the Dundee fans for their fantastic support at home and away this season getting right behind the team and we know you will do the same again tomorrow.”

Police Scotland said a 15-year-old boy had been charged in connection with the flare incident.

A further four people aged 13, 15, and two aged 17, were also arrested over pyrotechnics at the game.