Wembley Stadium connected by EE has issued a warning about the prohibited use of flares, smoke devises and pyrotechnics at this weekend’s EFL Play-Off finals.

The use of pyrotechnic flares is banned inside and outside of the stadium because of the harm they can cause people. Anyone caught carrying a flare or smoke device will be immediately ejected from the ground and have their details handed over to the police.

Several fans who were caught with pyrotechnic equipment at this year’s Papa John’s Trophy Final were removed from the ground and arrested by the Metropolitan Police. Now, ahead of a busy weekend of football, the stadium team is warning supporters about the security measures in place to tackle the use of flares, smoke devices and pyrotechnics. These include:

- Additional bag searches
- Additional patrols with dogs trained to sniff out pyrotechnic material
- Enhanced CCTV within the stadium and external concourses
- Enhanced staff training to spot and deal with potential flares/pyro use
- Working with the local authorities and Metropolitan Police to ensure enforcement action is taken both inside and outside the stadium

Liam Boylan, Director of Wembley Stadium, said: "Flares, smoke devices and pyrotechnics can cause significant injuries to carriers and fellow spectators. We have had several incidents that have resulted in people experiencing breathing difficulties, distress and discomfort.

“A day out at Wembley Stadium is a special event for everyone and we want to ensure it stays that way. No one should go home injured, ill or distressed because of the mindless, and unnecessary action of a small minority of fans.”

Fans going to Wembley Stadium this weekend are reminded about Brent Council’s Public Space Order Protection (PSPO) which is in operation around the stadium on event days.

The order prohibits the use of flares, smoke devices and pyrotechnics in the surrounding area around Wembley Stadium. It also makes it a criminal offence to carry out any on-street drinking on Olympic Way and nearby streets. Any breaches will result in the issuing of a Fixed Penalty Notice (£100) payable within 14 days.

As part of the PSPO, shops and off-licences around Wembley Stadium are banned from selling alcohol on match days.

Supporters wanting alcohol before the game should head for the licensed bars or restaurants in the area or make their way to the dedicated fan zones outside the stadium.

For more information about fan zones, travel and parking, please see the stadium’s play-off guide here.