A Blackpool supporter has been charged over a flare incident at the away match against Reading in September. Chris Grindrod, aged 36 and from Beaufort Avenue in Blackpool, is scheduled to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 10 November.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the charge of possessing a firework or flare at a sporting event. The incident occurred during the League One fixture at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday, 5 September. A police spokesman stated that pyrotechnics have no place at football matches and pose a significant safety risk. Authorities said they will continue to work with clubs and partners to ensure safety at games.
This off-field incident comes as Blackpool, who are 19th in League One with 12 points from 12 games, prepare for their next fixture. Neil Critchley's side drew 1-1 with Sheffield Wednesday last time out and face a trip to AFC Wimbledon on 14 November. The club's recent form shows two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five outings. Their record of three wins, three draws and six losses this season has seen them score 17 goals but concede 21, leaving them with a negative goal difference of four. They currently trail the league leaders by 17 points.
In that last match, a 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday on 1 November, Jerry Yates scored an 81st-minute equaliser for Blackpool, assisted by Albie Morgan. This followed a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa U21 on 27 October, in which Yates also scored from the penalty spot, with Zachary Ashworth and Jordan Brown adding further goals. Prior to that, the team's recent results included a 1-4 home defeat to Mansfield Town on 24 October, a 2-0 win over Milton Keynes Dons on 20 October, and a 2-0 loss away to Leyton Orient on 17 October. Their next opponents, AFC Wimbledon, sit one place above them in 18th.
The case against the Blackpool fan will be heard at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 10 November.
More detail at readingchronicle.co.uk
