A PROBE has been launched into Morton fans letting off smoke bombs and flares at matches amid fears that the overly exuberant behaviour could cost the club almost £40,000 — per season.

The Telegraph understands that seven out of Ton’s nine home matches so far this season are currently under investigation because supporters have been igniting the pyrotechnic devices.

Club bosses fear that they could be facing a massive annual bill for additional policing costs, as well as the possibility of being heftily fined by the footballing authorities over the practice.

In an exclusive interview today, Morton director Warren Hawke issued a plea to fans to stop bringing smoke bombs and flares to games, stating: “We have a problem as a club and we don’t want matters getting worse.”

Warren said: “Seven in nine of our home matches are currently under investigation as to whether we can retain police-free status due to a pyrotechnic and, more recently, a serious flare threat.

“Even without taking into account sanctions and fines from the footballing authorities, this increase in pyrotechnic usage will potentially cost the club £38,836 per season in increased police costs.”

The appeal comes at a time when Morton are currently enjoying a successful season on the park, having reached a cup semi-final at Hampden and currently sitting third in the Championship table.

Alluding to the potentially crippling yearly costs which could be incurred as a result of the smoke bomb and flare problem, Warren said: “We are a small club trying to ensure that we have a sustainable future.

“There is a health issue here too because we want everyone to enjoy the football — win, lose or draw — and we don’t want supporters going home with serious breathing problems, particularly anyone who may have a pre-existing condition such as asthma or another respiratory issue.”

The club director added: “We would like to warn supporters about the use of pyrotechnics at matches and the potential harm they do to the club both in terms of our reputation and finances.

“The board has invested heavily to ensure we can offer a safe environment to both our own supporters and those of opposition teams when they visit Cappielow.

“We have recently paid out more than £40,000 for a new matchday control room, utilising the same CCTV system that is installed at Hampden Park.

“In another significant forward step, we also recently appointed John Malcolm as our safety officer and James McLaughlin as his deputy.

“With this initial investment we have been able to reduce the police presence at the majority of matches this season.”

However, Warren added: “Only the St Mirren and Hibs matches have required police presence — but this may need to change if we have any future incident of the type I’ve outlined within Cappielow.

“Some supporters have commented that these devices help create a better atmosphere, and the last thing we want is a sterile and muted ground.

“But we need to ensure that better atmospheres are created at zero risk to fans and without costing the club an extortionate amount in additional matchday costs.

“Previously we have received phenomenal SPFL match delegate reports for our fans’ behaviour and we would ask that our supporters maintain that positive reputation and ensure the club are not penalised financially by keeping pyrotechnics away from matches."