Pyrotechnic Use at Cup Final Leads to Additional Charges for Celtic and Rangers

The exhibition of flares occurred at both ends of Hampden before the match’s commencement. The illicit deployment of pyrotechnics during Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final will result in further SPFL charges against Celtic and Rangers, supplementing those already issued. Earlier this month, the governing body disclosed its initiation of proceedings following comparable pyrotechnic displays during the competition’s semi-final matches, where Motherwell was also named. The implicated clubs could incur financial penalties and are scheduled to appear before an impartial panel for a hearing slated for early next year. An official statement released by the SPFL declared: “The disruptive displays which took place before and during Sunday’s match were completely unacceptable and again led to a delay to the start of the match.” The statement continued: “The SPFL will liaise with Police Scotland regarding their investigations into this illegal behaviour and these events will also be considered as part of the SPFL’s ongoing disciplinary investigations into both clubs regarding the use of pyrotechnics.” A particular statute prohibiting the deployment of pyrotechnics within Scottish stadiums was enacted in 2023. Ahead of the final, Old Firm managers Brendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement had publicly denounced such practices. Celtic secured the cup victory following a penalty shoot-out, after the Glasgow rivals were tied at 3-3 following extra-time. Certain supporters moved onto the trackside area of the national stadium for celebrations, and the SPFL stated it would examine the match delegate’s report to assess the “unacceptable encroachment of supporters.” According to league regulations, each club, “so far as is reasonably practicable,” is obligated to guarantee that its supporters refrain from “unacceptable conduct”; to identify any fans involved in such behavior during a match; and to implement “proportionate disciplinary measures” against those supporters.