Pitch catches fire after FLARE thrown at FA Cup tie

A FIRE on the pitch delayed last night's FA Cup tie after a flare was thrown from the crowd.

Posted Sunday, November 05, 2017 by Dailystar.co.uk

Hyde United were hosting MK Dons when the object was tossed from the home end, setting fire to the plastic pitch.

The FA Cup first round tie had to be delayed by 15 minutes as officials put out the fire in the 18-yard box.

Pitch catches fire after FLARE thrown at FA Cup tie
BLAZE: An FA Cup tie was delayed as stewards put out a pitch fire started by a tossed flare

TV pictures showed a large section of the pitch completely scorched by the blaze.

Eighth-tier Hyde had reached the first round for the first time in 23 years, but their FA Cup dream could become a nightmare if the FA decide to fine them for the supporters' stunt.

Pitch catches fire after FLARE thrown at FA Cup tie
CHARRED: The flare was thrown from the home end. Right, damage to the plastic pitch

The club was predicted to earn £150,000 from the tie, which saw a bumper 3,000-plus crowd and was shown on BBC2.

But the FA, which has pledged this week to tackle "football's pyrotechnic problem," could come down hard on the Evo-Stik North team.

Fuming Dons boss Nielson said afterwards: "There is no place for that in football."

Pitch catches fire after FLARE thrown at FA Cup tie
UGLY SCENES: The FA Cup tie was marred by a flare and fireworks thrown at away supporters

Hyde manager Kelly also raged at the supporters.

He said: "I hope there's no damage. This club is absolutely fantastic, with great honest people, it would be disappointing if there is any punishment."

The night ended in disappointment for the minnows as League One MK Dons ran out 4-0 winners.