Rennes’ Bruno Génésio on France’s trial of pyrotechnics in stadiums: “It creates an atmosphere, we need this in football.”

Rennes head coach Bruno Génésio has voiced his support of France’s trial of pyrotechnics in stadiums. The French government will allow the experimental use of pyrotechnics in non-covered sports arenas for three years, according to a decree published on Wednesday in an official government statement. The objective, according to the French government, is to move towards the “eradication of illegal and unsafe use of pyrotechnics in sports stadiums”. The three-year trial for the organisation of pyrotechnic displays in “predetermined, controlled and secured areas” has started on Thursday.

Speaking at his pre-game press conference that Ouest-France attended, Génésio spoke out in favour of such a trial. “I really like flares. It creates an atmosphere, we need that in football, with the supporters, the flags, the light and pyrotechnics”. The former Lyon manager has, however, assessed that the use of pyros would need to be supervised and safe. Génésio even admitted that he has already lit a flare in the past, on the anniversary of the Bad Gones’ founding [Lyon’s most ardent ultras group]. “My president allowed me to do it.“

5th-placed Rennes host 3rd-placed Lens at the Roazhon Park on Saturday evening for Ligue 1 gameweek 29.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval