- The Championship, League One and League Two play-off finals are coming up
- Authorities are hoping to clamp down on the use of pyrotechnics at the games
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Fans found with pyrotechnics at this weekend’s play-off finals could be arrested and even JAILED.
Mail Sport understands police swooped on a number of supporters following issues at the FA Cup Final earlier this month when Crystal Palace fans let off flares ahead of their victory over Manchester City.
And additional bag searches and patrols with specially-trained sniffer dogs will be deployed ahead of a huge weekend under the arch which kicks off when Sunderland face Sheffield United for a place in the Premier League on Saturday.
According to sources, ‘several’ fans were arrested following Palace’s monumental win after Wembley staff launched an investigation along with police.
They scoured extensive CCTV from inside and outside the stadium after Eagles supporters set off dozens of flares as part of an eye-catching pre-match display.
Under Section 2A of the Sporting Events Act 1985, attempting to smuggle a pyrotechnic device into a football ground is a criminal offence.
Fans found with pyros at this weekend’s EFL play-off finals could be arrested and even jailed
Additional bag searches and patrols with specially-trained sniffer dogs will be deployed ahead of the Championship, League One and League Two finals at Wembley over the Bank Holiday
Police swooped on a number of supporters following issues at the FA Cup Final earlier this month when Crystal Palace fans let off flares ahead of their victory over Manchester City
Those found guilty of committing such an offence face banning orders, fines and even the possibility of prison.
In the build-up to all three matches, Wembley staff have been working with fans groups from Sunderland, Sheffield United, Leyton Orient, Charlton Athletic, Walsall and Wimbledon to warn them of the potential dangers.