A STEWARD saw a Blackpool fan ignite a smoke bomb during the Ewood Park game against Blackburn Rovers.

Blackburn magistrates heard the steward detained Oliver Omid Aghdassi and removed him and the flare from the terraces.

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Aghdassi, 18, of Harrowside, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to possessing a smoke bomb in a designated sporting event. He was fined £150 with £105 costs.

Philip Hall, prosecuting, said the steward’s concerns were heightened by the fact there were children just in front of the defendant when he lit the flare.

“The stadium security manager says they try to ensure the safety of everyone in the stadium,” said Mr Hall. “Setting off a smoke bomb is clearly dangerous.”

Gareth Price, defending, said his client had been searched as he entered the stadium which supported his statement to police that he had not taken the smoke bomb in.

He said Blackpool are having a very difficult season and seem doomed to relegation and the fact their team took the lead shortly before half time caused great excitement among the Blackpool fans.

“It was at that point he was handed the smoke bomb,” said Mr Price. “He discharged it and accepts that was a foolish thing to do. He asks you to accept this was a moment of madness on his part.”