Liverpool fans are under the FA’s scanner for setting off flares and smoke bombs during their team’s Community Shield win against North-West rivals, Manchester City. A red mist descended across Pool’s end at the King Power as ecstatic Merseysiders celebrated the club’s first silverware of the season. The pyro display comes days after England’s football authorities- The Premier League, EFL and FA- introduced a slew of hardline measures to prevent the use of pyro across English grounds.

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But it did little to deter the Reds faithful. Sparking flares immediately after Trent Alexander-Arnold swept Liverpool into the lead, the pyro show would continue throughout the breathless tie. With the FA threatening to impose bans and file police reports against flare-wielding ‘miscreants’, the fans risk facing severe punishment. The FA released a statement after the match, reiterating its stance on pyrotechnic displays. It reads:

“We are aware of incidents during the FA Community Shield where flares were used in the stands. The use of smoke bombs or pyrotechnics in a football stadium is dangerous, illegal, and could have severe consequences. We can confirm that we are investigating the matter and will be working with the relevant authorities, the clubs and the police to identify the individuals involved and we will take appropriate action. This season, The FA, Premier League and EFL announced new measures and stronger sanctions to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviour in football grounds. Premier League and EFL clubs have agreed that if their fans are identified using flares in the stadium then those individuals would receive a club ban. We expect the club to also investigate these incidents and to implement the new rules where applicable,” quotes The Sun.

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The Community Shield was an equally chaotic on-field as well. Liverpool dominated the early exchanges, creating a string of half-chances against a stunned City. Deservedly ahead via Alexander-Arnold’s skilful finish, they had City on the back foot. The Mancunians levelled through new boy Julian Alvarez after a mini goalmouth melee. But goals by Mo Salah and Darwin Nunez would bring the shield to Mersey shores.