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Despite being banned in stadiums, colourful smoke bombs ignite soccer fan culture
Supporters used smoke bombs to build a match-day atmosphere as experts warned of safety and respiratory risks.
- On Thursday, June 18, 2026, thousands of Canadian soccer fans marched toward the World Cup stadium in Vancouver, releasing thick, red-tinted smoke from canisters ahead of the match against Qatar.
- Greg Yerashotis, an assistant professor of sport at Trent University, said these canisters reflect the tradition of 'ultras,' a passionate fanbase using theatrical smoke to signal identities and allegiances during celebrations.
- Professional stadiums strictly prohibit these pyrotechnics because they obstruct security sightlines, but Yerashotis noted that bans create intrigue, driving fans to use smoke bombs outside venues instead.
- Greg Evans, director of the Southern Ontario Center for Atmospheric Aerosol Research at the University of Toronto, warned that smoke releases huge concentrations of particles, triggering inflammation and respiratory issues.
- Young children and those with pre-existing conditions face heightened risks from particle exposure, though Evans noted the danger extends across large segments of any street march.
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23 Articles
23 Articles
The Toronto Star+22 Reposted by 22 other sources
Despite being banned in stadiums, colourful smoke bombs ignite soccer fan culture
As thousands of Canadian soccer fans marched towards the World Cup stadium in Vancouver ahead of the team's match against Qatar last week, the air around them took on a
·Toronto, Canada
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Total News Sources23
Leaning Left18Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution86% Left
Bias Distribution
- 86% of the sources lean Left
86% Left
L 86%
14%
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