Flare warning after incident in Birmingham City away end ‘scares’ disabled fans at Bristol’s Ashton Gate

Some Birmingham City fans have faced criticism on social media after a flare which was thrown in the away end left disabled supporters ‘scared’ during the club’s game at Bristol City on Saturday (14 January).

During Blues’ 4-2 defeat at Ashton Gate, a flare is said to have been thrown after Birmingham scored their first goal. Posting on Twitter, the Birmingham City Disabled Supporters Association said the flare hit one of the club’s disabled fans at the front of the stand.

A Bristol City supporter posted a photo of the flare on Twitter, which appeared to land at the bottom of the away stand.

Replying to the Tweet, Birmingham City’s Disabled Supporters Association, said: “It hit one of the lads down there on the head. Scared him and he had to be taken out and coaxed back into the stands. Few others have panic attacks and you can see in the photo a couple of our carers having to keep them calm.”

The Disabled Supporters Association warned of the dangers of flares following the incident. In a Tweet, they said: “Unfortunately some people see these things as ‘just smoke”’ If they understood, they’d realise that to some it’s so much more. People with sensory needs, breathing problems (bronchitis, asthma, COPD etc) and young kids can get affected.”

Birmingham City Football Club has been contacted for a comment on the incident.