The SPFL are weighing up fresh disciplinary charges against Celtic and Rangers after fans of both clubs ignored warnings over the use of pyrotechnics before the Premier Sports Cup final.
Sunday’s showpiece final at Hampden was delayed by three minutes after fireworks at both ends of the ground filled the air with acrid smoke.
The SPFL will await the match delegate’s report before deciding what action to take on both the pyrotechnics and ‘unacceptable’ encroachment by fans of the Hampden trackside during and after the game.
Two arrests were made, with Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney branding the use of use of flares ‘alarming’ and describing scenes of pre-match disorder caused by ultras groups in Glasgow city centre as ‘completely and utterly unacceptable’.
The Green Brigade and Union Bears clashed on Glasgow’s Argyle Street, lobbing flares at each other as Christmas shoppers sought refuge inside shops. A 26-year-old man suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The pyrotechnics carried on inside Hampden, despite pre-match appeals from both clubs and managers Brendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement to supporters.
Despite pre-match warnings, both sets of fans came armed with pyrotechnics
Hampden was a sea of red and orange in the moments before kick-off
The lingering smoke from the pyrotechnics caused a three-minute delay to kick-off
Already facing notices of complaint over disruption to the semi-finals earlier this month, Celtic and Rangers now face the likelihood of further charges.
The SPFL have begun reviewing footage of Sunday’s final. Scheduled to face independent disciplinary panels early next year, a further notice of complaint could see both finalists face sanctions ranging from fines to sections of stadia being closed for future cup games.
In a statement, the SPFL said: ‘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.
‘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.’
Celtic’s semi-final with Aberdeen was delayed by 14 minutes after fans from the Glasgow club set off fireworks and flares. The game between Rangers and Motherwell the following day was also delayed by five minutes after both sets of fans ignited pyrotechnics.
Motherwell have also been issued with a notice of complaint by the SPFL, with further instances of fireworks at the games between Raith Rovers and Dunfermline and Livingston against Partick Thistle.
Hampden had its own on-pitch fireworks display which was let off in a controlled manner
First Minister Swinney has spoken out over the disturbing city centre scenes seen in Glasgow
A ban on the use of pyrotechnics inside stadiums in Scotland was introduced in 2023. Privately, senior figures believe Holyrood could do more to enforce football banning orders. While courts issued 41 banning orders to fans convicted on criminal charges in 2021/22, official figures showed that the number dropped to just one in 2023/24.
Despite evidence of the criminal justice system failing to crack down on an unacceptable failure amongst football fans, First Minister Swinney sought to lay the responsibility for policing the disorder on the streets of Glasgow at the door of the two clubs.
Speaking during a visit to Paisley yesterday, Mr Swinney said: ‘There was a completely and utterly unacceptable level of violence from a small minority of football fans involved in the game yesterday.
‘It caused fear and alarm for people who were quite happily going about their Christmas shopping in the centre of Glasgow and it should not, in any circumstances, have taken place.’
Claiming that the two clubs have the responsibility to ‘take account of the behaviour of their fans’, the First Minister absolved Police Scotland of blame for allowing the scenes to take place, adding: ‘Police Scotland had the situation entirely well and comprehensively policed.
‘There will, of course, be consequential action as a result of these incidents, which is a matter for Police, but fundamentally, this type of behaviour is unacceptable. It’s a minority of fans that are involved, and it should not be tolerated.’
Both Celtic and Rangers were approached for comment.
