[St Charles Owl]

Did anybody see that flare/fire on the pitch at Hyde last night? Is it me but after all the fire safety measures post Bradford, how the hell can such flammable material be used for a playing surface? Just imagine - Oh there's a fire in the stand - Lets get down on the pitch its safer there, oh wait a minute.........

I saw that. It was stupidity. I don't understand why clubs are going for these 3G and 4G pitches they can cause injuries to players especially if studs get caught in the fibre you can turn your ankle, also you can't tackle because if you slide tackle it burns and can also rip the skin.

Also the ball moves quicker on 3G and 4G pitches and doesn't take the bounce out of the ball like it does on grass.

Its all about cost. Grass needs maintenance and will end up like a mud heap and all cut up come February. These pitches allow clubs to be able to use the pitch all week, whether its for themselves or for other people who rent it, therefore bringing in revenue. They shouldn’t be allowed in the FL, but in non-league they can save clubs thousands of pounds each year.

Regarding flares, they are dangerous and stupid in a tightly packed area like a football ground!!! They won’t likely cause fires as there are few wooden stands left now but they are so dangerous to those around them. Can’t really restrict sales but there must be a severe penalty for any fan setting one off, and with CCTV at most grounds that is doable!!