Stewart Regan says Scottish football may have to reconsider liability rules

Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan believes the introduction of strict liability rules to combat unacceptable conduct in Scottish football is sure to be on the agenda when the governing body's rules are revised.

Regan was speaking after Celtic banned three supporters whom they believe set off pyrotechnics before and during the 3-0 William Hill Scottish Cup fourth-round win over Stranraer at Stair Park on Sunday.

Hampden compliance officer Tony McGlennan has reviewed video footage and Police Scotland has confirmed it is also to investigate the incident along with outbreaks of sectarian chanting which is reported to have taken place.

Parkhead bosses have been left frustrated that their supporters have refused to heed their warnings on the use of flares and smoke bombs, with a statement released today saying that, events have again caused embarrassment.''

While clubs in Scotland have voted against the introduction to strict liability rules, UEFA does use them.

Celtic currently face a UEFA charge after fans set off flares during their Europa League clash with Fenerbahce in Turkey in December, while they have been hit with a series of escalating punishments following several other incidents relating to the conduct of their supporters during European clashes.

Regan, speaking at Hampden Park after the William Hill Scottish Cup last-16 draw, was asked if more deterrents were required for unacceptable behaviour in Scotland.

He said: A few years ago we tried to introduce the concept of strict liability to our rules, that was defeated by our members and we are just about to start our rules revision process for 2016.

I am sure it will be back on the agenda and if there is a willingness or appetite for change then I would like to think we can move that agenda forward.

Clubs need to think hard about whether they want such behaviour taking place in Scottish football grounds.

Flares are life-threatening, dangerous and have no place in Scottish football and anything we can do to stamp them out, I will be very supportive.

There is more of an appetite for more stringent rules because I think there is recognition that we just can't allow such behaviour to continue.

Quite what that looks like and how the rules can be amended will be up to our lawyers to assist us with and our members willingness to change but we will be working on it in the coming weeks.''