The Scottish Professional Football League has condemned the “completely unacceptable” use of pyrotechnics by Celtic and Rangers fans at Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final.
Smoke swirled around Hampden as supporters of both teams staged displays behind each goal, leading to a short delay to the kick-off, while devices were also ignited during the match, which the Hoops won on penalties following a 3-3 draw.
Celtic and Rangers – along with Motherwell – were charged earlier this month after pyro in the stands disrupted the two semi-finals last month.
The SPFL said in a statement issued on Monday evening that the scenes on Sunday will be taken into consideration amid the “ongoing disciplinary investigations” into both Glasgow clubs.
SPFL statement – Premier Sports Cup Final
— SPFL (@spfl) December 16, 2024
The league’s governing body also admonished those who entered the stadium’s trackside, with a section of the Rangers support leaving the stand to celebrate their side taking the lead and hundreds of Celtic fans spilling out of the stands at full-time, causing a delay to the trophy presentation.
An SPFL statement read: “Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Final was an enthralling match, filled with twists and turns. Both teams deserve huge credit for the part they played in one of the most exciting cup finals in recent memory. Celtic and Rangers put on a display of passionate, dramatic and end-to-end football, which showcased all that is best about our game.
“Everyone at the SPFL would like to pass on our congratulations to the players, management and directors of Celtic on their trophy win, and we also send our commiserations to everyone connected with Rangers, who helped make it such a thrilling showpiece event.
“However, the SPFL, Police Scotland and the Scottish FA have been clear that the unauthorised use of pyrotechnics is illegal and unsafe. Therefore, 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 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.
“The SPFL is awaiting the match delegate’s report following the game, which will also consider other matters, including the unacceptable encroachment of supporters onto the Hampden Park trackside area during and after the match.”
SPFL rules state that each club, “so far as is reasonably practicable”, must ensure that supporters do not engage in “unacceptable conduct”; that they identify any fans who engage in such conduct at a match; and take “proportionate disciplinary measures” on such supporters.
