Russian Football Premier League urges for tougher punishment for pyrotechnics

Following Saturday night’s Moscow derby between Spartak and CSKA, the Russian Football Premier League (RFPL) is now looking to implement new rules that will toughen the punishment for using flares during matches.

Although, according RFPL President Sergey Pryadkin, the current security measures are significant, fans of both teams were able to bring flares into the stadium and burn them throughout the match.

The match drew a sold-out crowd of 45,000 at Spartak’s home Otkrytie Arena, and finished in favor of the home team 3-1.

In the middle of the second half, the match had to be stopped by the referee due to limited visibility on the pitch, as CSKA fans lit and threw flares and smoke bombs at Spartak supporters.

“We did all we could. During the last week we held a number of big meetings inside the league, met with police, met leaders of supporters groups,” said Pryadkin.

“Moreover, we did a complete search at the stadium, a day before the game, and just two hours prior to it. I’d like to thank police for their help as well as private security services. But unfortunately, we cannot overcome the situation with the pyrotechnics.

READ MORE: Heavy security to be deployed at Moscow football derby

“Thus we think that it’s necessary to toughen the punishment for the use of flares.”

As TASS reports, referring to a source in Moscow’s law enforcement services, fans were able to bring only one third of the flares to the stands, as most of them were confiscated at the entrance.

It’s reported that over 50 flares and smoke bombs were brought to the stadium, and more than 100 confiscated, while 87 people were detained at the stadium and the surrounding area.