Celtic, Rangers and Motherwell charged over pyro

SPFL say minority supporter behaviour was 'irresponsible'

Author: Tom GrantPublished 6th Dec 2024

Celtic, Rangers and Motherwell have all been charged over the behaviour of their supporters during the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals last month.

The SPFL said because fans of the three clubs put on ‘large-scale, organised and illegal pyrotechnics displays’ during their visits to Hampden in November, they have each been issued a formal notice of complaint.

The league said the ‘dangerous’ actions by some were ‘totally unacceptable’ and the reason both matches suffered delays to their kick-off times across the Saturday and Sunday.

A spokesperson said: “This irresponsible behaviour by a minority of fans led to a 14-minute delay to Celtic v Aberdeen and a five-minute delay to Motherwell v Rangers, which caused significant inconvenience to thousands of fans at the game and to supporters watching worldwide.

“The SPFL, Scottish FA, Police Scotland and other organisations have been clear that such use of pyrotechnics is illegal and poses clear dangers and health and safety risks to fellow supporters, players and those working at matches.

“There have been a number of complaints from supporters about these incidents and the SPFL and Scottish FA have been in ongoing discussions with the clubs involved in the weeks since the semi-finals.

“The SPFL can now confirm that Celtic, Motherwell and Rangers have all been issued with formal notices of complaint under SPFL Rule H34 and each club will face a disciplinary hearing.”

Rule H34 states that players, officials or supporters of clubs do not engage in unacceptable conduct in a stadium where a match is taking place and it is the club’s responsibility to ensure this.

And the SPFL insist they will be watching carefully come the Premier Sports Cup final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden next week.

The spokesperson added: “Preparations are ongoing ahead of the Premier Sports Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park next week, as the SPFL prepares to welcome a capacity crowd for one of the highlights of the Scottish sporting calendar.

“The SPFL and Scottish FA will continue to work closely with the finalists in the build-up to this showpiece occasion to reinforce the importance of ensuring a safe and enjoyable match day experience for all supporters, in the context of what is now an ongoing disciplinary process.”

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