Man to appear in court over flare charge at Reading FC match

A man is set to appear in court next week following an incident involving a flare at a Reading match.

Chris Grindrod, a 36-year-old from Beaufort Avenue, Blackpool, is charged with possessing a firework or flare at a sporting event.

This charge comes after an investigation by Thames Valley Police into the events at the Reading FC v Blackpool FC match held on 5th September at the SCL stadium.

Reading Magistrates’ Court will see Grindrod appear on Tuesday 10th November.

Thames Valley Police have reminded supporters that flares and pyrotechnics are prohibited at football matches due to the safety risks they pose to supporters, players, and staff.

Bringing a flare or firework into a designated sporting event is considered an offence.

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