Remote-controlled pyrotechnics found under visiting football fans’ seats
A judicial investigation has begun after remote-controlled flares and smoke bombs were discovered under the seats of Standard Liège supporters ahead of their match at Charleroi on Sunday.
Charleroi public prosecutor’s office has confirmed that it has referred the case of “attempted arson of a building in which people were present” to an investigating judge.
Shortly before kick-off in the derby between Sporting Charleroi and Standard Liège in the Jupiler Pro League European play-offs, police officers entered stand 2 of the Stade du Pays de Charleroi, where visiting fans were sitting. Several pyrotechnic devices were discovered under seats.
"The triggering of these devices could have caused serious injury"
“These were found by the supporters themselves, after one of them was surprised that his seat was not properly fixed,” the public prosecutor’s office said.
The area was secured by police, and the Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service also intervened. A search of the stand uncovered 14 home-made devices that were then neutralised. According to the judicial authority, they were smoke bombs and flares connected to a remote firing system.
“The triggering of these devices could have caused serious injury, through severe burns, to the person sitting in the seat equipped with them as well as to neighbouring seats,” said the public prosecutor.
A conviction for attempted arson of a building in which people are present carries a prison sentence from one to 15 years.
Standard supporters pictured during a match between Sporting Charleroi and Standard e Liege, 6 April 2025 © BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR
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