A flare for soccer: open flames in soccer stadiums worldwide
Lit flares and other open flames in soccer stadiums around the world have resulted in play stoppages, injury to players and fans, and in at least one case, the death of a spectator. They're also a beautiful addition to the beautiful game, and a dramatic, but dangerous, way to celebrate successes or vent frustrations . As I browse sports photos for this blog, I'm encountering what seems like an increasing number of images of fires lit at stadiums worldwide. The flames of passion burn bright for soccer fans. ( 25 photos total)
Supporters of Caracas FC celebrate with fire the victory of their team against Deportivo Cuenca of Ecuador in their 2009 Libertadores Cup match at Olimpico Stadium in Caracas May 12. (JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images)
FC Barcelona supporters celebrate their team's victory against Real Madrid in "The Ramblas" in Barcelona May 2. (JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images)
Bosnia Herzevogina's Boris Pandza (left) walks with Belgium's Eden Hazard as Bosnia Herzevogina's supporters light flares during their World Cup 2010 qualifying match in Genk March 28. (JOHN THYS/AFP/Getty Images)
A boy stands in front of riot policemen obscured by smoke bombs during the Greek cup final game between Olympiakos and AEK at the Athens Olympic stadium May 2. (ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Werder Bremen's Diego (left) vies with Hamburg's Piotr Trochowski as smoke invades the pitch during the UEFA Cup semi-final match between Werder Bremen and Hamburger SV at the Weser-Stadion in Bremen April 30. (JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images)
Red Star fans leave the stadium past burning seats after the Serbian league match between Partizan and Red Star in Belgrade April 8. Red Star fans burned seats in the stadium after their team was beaten 2-0 by cross city rivals Partizan. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
