Man charged after pyrotechnic device thrown on pitch at match in Peterhead

A 21-year-old man has been arrested and charged after a lit pyrotechnic device was thrown onto the pitch at a football match in Peterhead.

The incident happened during a SPFL League Two match between Peterhead and East Fife at Balmoor Stadium on Saturday, 4 November.

The man is due to appear at Peterhead Sheriff Court at a later date.

Chief Inspector Steven McDonald, North Aberdeenshire area commander, said: “Pyrotechnics are inherently dangerous and present a risk of serious injury to those who discharge them and those around them, including in this instance the players who were on the pitch and the staff who required to remove the device.

“At any level of football, the use of such devices is illegal, irresponsible and dangerous. As is the case here, we will continue to work with Peterhead and other league clubs to deal with such behaviour robustly.

“Those that commit such offences will have Football Banning Orders sought against them which could restrict access to all football matches.”

If anyone has any information around the use of pyrotechnics or any other disorder at football matches, please contact Police Scotland via 101.