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EFL clubs to implement three-year bans for fans found using pyrotechnics

All 72 EFL clubs have agreed to implement three-year bans for supporters found using smoke bombs, flares and fireworks in a bid to “put an end to the dangerous use of pyrotechnics”.

The clubs have signed up to a new Chairman's Charter looking to stop the use of any pyrotechnics within EFL stadiums amid concerns for supporter safety.

Fans could face consequences if they attempt to take a banned item into a ground or if they are found to have discharged pyrotechnics within a stadium.

"All 72 EFL clubs have signed up to a new Chairman's Charter to help put an end to the dangerous use of pyrotechnics, which include smoke bombs, flares and fireworks within EFL football grounds," an EFL statement said.

"Any supporter found to be in breach of the terms of the charter will face a minimum three-season club ban. Clubs will be permitted the flexibility to reduce the length of the club ban should an offender recognise the danger of their actions.

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"The introduction of the single issue charter comes amid increasing concerns about the proliferation of pyrotechnics being used in stadia during the opening matches of the 2017/18 season with its main objective to act as a future deterrent.

"It also follows a number of incidents of significant concern where supporters have suffered serious injuries, including a 15-year-old boy who required hospital treatment for lung damage after a smoke bomb was thrown during a game."

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The statement continued: "In conjunction with police forces around the country, EFL clubs will take strong and decisive action against any fan found attempting to bring a banned item into a ground.

"The same will apply to supporters who choose to discharge pyrotechnics within a stadium environment. Police should be informed of such incidents and consideration given to a prosecution and subsequent banning order, where sufficient evidence is forthcoming of a criminal offence."

EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey told Sky Sports News that the new initiative does not necessarily mean that extra security measures will be in place for supporters at grounds.

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"The same operations that clubs have will be in place as normal but it is there as a deterrent," he said.

"Don't even try to bring these fireworks and devices into the stadiums because if you are caught with them this is the punishment that is coming your way."

In a statement, Harvey also thanked the member clubs for their commitment to the initiative.

He said: "We understand the prospect of banning supporters is not an easy one for clubs to contemplate and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our member clubs for their commitment to help deliver this important initiative on a collective basis."

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