Boy, 11, injured after flares let off at Rangers match

An 11-year-boy suffered a facial injury after flares were let off at the Kilmarnock v Rangers game on Saturday night.

Police Scotland said it was investigating the incident, which saw the child treated by paramedics.

Rangers fans used pyrotechnics at the start of the match at Rugby Park, which the Ibrox side won 3-0.

Earlier this year the SPFL issued a suspended reduction of 50 tickets on Rangers for future away matches, following the use of pyrotechnics from fans at Fir Park.

The governing body reached the decision following an investigation into a "large-scale, organised and illegal pyrotechnics display" during Rangers 1-1 draw against Motherwell on 2 August.

A police spokesperson said: "During a match at Rugby Park on Saturday, 6 December 2025, an 11-year-old boy sought medical treatment after a flare was discharged near to where he had been standing.

"He was treated for a facial injury by paramedics at the scene."

Legislation that made it a criminal offence to possess fireworks and flares at events such as football matches came into force in June 2023, but the Scottish government working group on pyrotechnics later said the law was being used infrequently.

A government consultation was launched last week on whether people should be banned from football matches for using pyrotechnics.

Currently Football Banning Orders (FBOs) are only imposed if supporters are involved in violence or disorder - they enable the authorities to stop fans attending games anywhere in the UK for 10 years.

Police inquiries into the incident on Saturday night are ongoing.

A spokesman for Rangers said: "We are aware that one of our young supporters was treated by medical staff at Rugby Park on Saturday night, and we were concerned that he required assistance.

"Fortunately, a more serious injury was not sustained, though this incident underlines the very real dangers posed by pyrotechnics.

"We are in contact with his family, and we thank the staff who attended to him. We will continue to offer support in the coming days."

He added that the club's position on pyrotechnics was clear, and that its priority was keeping supporters safe.