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Fans told not to bring flares to Euros play-off

Poland fans holding flares at the Cardiff City Stadium in September 2022 Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Seven Poland fans were arrested in 2022 for using pyrotechnics in Cardiff

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Wales and Poland fans have been told not to bring flares and fireworks to Tuesday's crucial Euro 2024 play-off in Cardiff.

Seven Poland fans were arrested when the two sides met in the city in September 2022, including four for possession of pyrotechnics.

Anyone using pyrotechnics, which are illegal in UK stadiums, will face a ban, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) said.

About 1,900 Poland fans are expected in a 33,000 sell-out crowd.

The FAW was fined more than 拢14,500 by FIFA after Wales fans let off flares during their 2022 World Cup play-off wins over Austria and Ukraine in Cardiff.

Meanwhile, 46 Polish fans were charged after crowd trouble following a Europa Conference League match between Aston Villa and Legia Warsaw in November.

The FAW said pyrotechnics were very dangerous in large crowds and could cause the loss of sight, limbs or fingers.

Media caption,

Poland fans set off fireworks at Nations League Game in Cardiff in September 2022

The FAW said anyone using pyrotechnics would face probable arrest and a minimum three-year football banning order.

Supt Steve Rees of South Wales Police said: "Being in possession of a pyrotechnic device at a football match, or attempting to bring one into a football stadium, is a criminal offence, and anyone found guilty of committing such an offence faces arrest and a football banning order.

"We work closely with Cardiff City Stadium whose staff are responsible for ensuring that supporters abide by stadium regulations."

The winner of Tuesday's play-off will qualify for Euro 2024 in Germany.

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