Woman and child injured after fans set off pyrotechnics

Police are appealing for information after a number of
pyrotechnics, including smoke bombs, bangers and flares, were set off in the
away section of the stadium during the Betfred League Cup Quarter Final between
Livingston and Rangers last night.

A 26-year-old woman sustained a minor leg injury and 13-year
old boy required treatment to his eyes. Both were treated by medics at the
stadium and did not have to attend hospital.

Chief Inspector Neil Mitchell, the officer in charge of the
policing operation for the match said: “Taking pyrotechnics into a
football stadium is not only an offence, it is extremely dangerous. The
injuries sustained by the woman and boy caused by the devices, and the
consequences, could have had been so much worse.

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

“The vast majority of those who attended the match were
well -behaved and enjoyed the game. However, following the actions of a small
group of their fellow supporters, two people were injured. It is only down to
luck that their injuries were minor. If this continues it can only be a matter
of time before someone is injured more seriously.

“One of my officers was also struck by a coin thrown
from the same group of supporters. This is also unacceptable and will not be
tolerated.

“We have a retrospective investigation ongoing and are
working closely with both clubs to identify those responsible. I can confirm
that we are following a positive line of enquiry.

“I urge anyone at the game who witnessed the use of
these pyrotechnics and can assist in our enquiries to contact police on 101,
quoting incident number 2394 of 25 September 2019.

“We will deal with all those responsible in a robust
manner including seeking football banning orders through the courts.”