This is what was put out on RAWK mate the day before the 2nd leg of the Europa. Looking at the link it was on the LFC site.
All,
Potentially a controversial thread but with my LFC Supporters' Committee hat on the Club have approached LFC supporters' groups about the charges the Club have received from UEFA over pyro at some recent Europa League games.
Firstly, in a refreshing change they identified before pushing out any communications that they should engage with supporters about how the message should be crafted. We told them that suggestions about supporters turning other supporters in would be a waste of time (to be fair they weren't suggesting that at any point) and that trying to get across the risk of sanctions that would hit supporters, rather than say the Club writing a cheque for a fine, would be better as obviously no one wants to see partial ground closures or allocations cut.
The trick was that the communications to supporters shouldn't really list the potential sanctions as the concerns would be that UEFA, who will see the efforts the Club are making, might decide that what we are most concerned might happen (other then an injury to someone) should be an appropriate sanction.
So, as SC Chair I have received a communication that will be pushed out on the LFC SC social media (as limited as that is). The idea is that I will respond to it and the Club may use what we send back in part of their submissions so UEFA see supporters are concerned as well.
Obviously the knee jerk reaction is that pyro creates an atmosphere impact but unfortunately it is something that UEFA won't have and so we have to recognise the threat that exists. We can all complain about them spending time on this sort of stuff and not doing anything about more serious things like racism, offensive chanting, poor policing etc but we are where we are.
The communications are below - I'd welcome any views anyone has about what might be done to avoid this problem, although at the end of the day it will have to be peer pressure more than anything that will see it stop so we don't risk issues in the rest of this European campaign or next year's.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PUSH THIS OUT ON ANY APPROPRIATE SOCIAL MEDIA
Dear Graham
Following our meeting yesterday, I am writing to ask for supporter groups help in getting some important messages to fans regarding pyrotechnics and the risks to receiving punishments at future games.
As discussed, we have received letters recently from UEFA regarding a number of fan infringements that have taken place at some of our recent European matches. These have included setting off pyrotechnics and other fan disturbances.
We have now received a further letter this week specifically about some of our fans setting off pyrotechnics in Dortmund last week. As part of the UEFA process we have been requested to respond to the letters and thereafter UEFA will make their decision on any potential sanctions.
We have had a number of fans write and call into the Club requesting that we take action against those responsible for bringing pyrotechnics into the stadium and highlighting the unpleasant and dangerous impacts these devices are having on them and their fellow fans.
We will of course respond to all charges as outlined by UEFA but are seeking support and help from our fans as every infringement will result in an impact for the Club and its supporters.
To help awareness around the issue of pyrotechnics we would appreciate any help you can give ahead of Thursday’s Europa League match against Dortmund at Anfield in highlighting to supporters the potential impact upon supporters going forward.
If we do progress through to the next round, we then potentially have a European semi-final and final to look forward to and we must make fans aware of the consequences they may face if we don’t eradicate pyrotechnics. We know this is only a small minority of fans but the impact they are having is affecting the reputation of all Liverpool fans.
We will be publishing an article on our website to remind fans that it is illegal to bring pyrotechnics into any stadium but in your capacity on the Supporters Committee we hope that we can call on your support to spread this important message.
I’ve attached the Club’s website article below for your reference.
Kind regards
Andrew
WEBSITE ARTICLE
Reminder: Use of pyrotechnics could result in fan sanctions
Ahead of Thursday’s game against Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool FC would like to remind supporters that flares, smoke bombs and pyrotechnics are illegal and prohibited.
The Club has been charged by UEFA for Liverpool supporters using pyrotechnics during recent European matches which could result in sanctions being imposed on the Club and supporters at future games.
Any individual who is found taking these items to Anfield or any other stadium may face prosecution and a banning order. The use of such devices breaches ground safety regulations and poses serious risk of injury to fellow fans.
We remind supporters of the serious consequences they will face surrounding the possession and/or use of pyrotechnics and any other illegal items in Anfield and other stadiums.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping Anfield and visiting stadiums a safe and welcoming environment for all fans.
http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/announcements/216147-reminder-use-of-pyrotechnics-could-result-in-fan-sanctions
