Aberdeen in warning to fans after UEFA issues charge over pyrotechnics

Aberdeen have issued a warning to fans after the club were handed a disciplinary charge over the use of pyrotechnic devices in their game against HJK Helsinki.

It is the third such charge for the Dons this season and they were hit with a five-figure fine for a similar incident in Frankfurt.

And they have now warned of other potential repercussions that “cannot be risked” including partial stadium closures and restrictions on fans.

A statement released on Thursday, ahead of their game against PAOK, said: “As the cases against AFC mount up, the outcomes are likely to get worse, not only financially, but the potential for other penalties which can eventually include the restriction of Aberdeen fans, or sections of the ground, from watching the games either at Pittodrie or elsewhere.

“Clearly the club do not wish to be wasting staff time defending these cases with UEFA, wasting money paying fines to UEFA, nor do we wish any other punishment to be handed out that may put at risk Aberdeen fans’ ability to follow their team in European competition, either in Scotland or abroad.

“The use of pyrotechnics in football stadiums is strictly forbidden and we reiterate our numerous and continued messaging on this subject and again ask all Aberdeen fans to refrain from bringing or using any prohibited pyrotechnic device tonight against PAOK, or at any game.

“We simply cannot risk further financial penalties and potentially other punitive sanctions that may impact the club and the fan base and will take the toughest steps possible to identify and deal with any individual who continues to put the club at risk of further fines or potential restrictions.”

Aberdeen take on PAOK in their third Conference League game on Thursday.