Celtic, Aberdeen and Partick Thistle sanctioned by SPFL over pyro offences

Three SPFL clubs are facing potential partial stadium closures over the continued use of pyrotechnics by supporters.

Celtic, Aberdeen and Partick Thistle have all been sanctioned over incidents that took place at the end of last season.

On Thursday the governing body confirmed the trio have been found to be in breach of SPFL rules.

An investigation was held into large-scale, organised and illegal displays at Aberdeen v Celtic, Celtic v St Mirren and Ayr United v Partick Thistle.

Thistle’s rule breach also focused on a large-scale pitch invasion from the club’s fans, which led to a two-minute delay later in the same match at Somerset Park.

All three clubs have been found to have breached rules in failing to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that their supporters did not engage in “unacceptable conduct” at those matches.

The clubs were also found to have failed to identify or take proportionate disciplinary measures against the supporters responsible, and in Partick Thistle’s case, also against those who carried out the pitch invasion.

The pyro display by Aberdeen fans during the club’s game against Celtic, which was aired live on Sky Sports at Pittodrie on May 14, led to the broadcaster having to issue an apology for interruptions after significant smoke clouds formed within the stadium.

Hoops supporters carried out pyro displays in the north east corner of Celtic Park, during and prior to the final league game of the season at home to St Mirren on May 17.

And lastly in a Premiership play-off quarter final second-leg at Somerset Park on May 9, a two-minute delay to the game occurred due to Partick Thistle fans using pyrotechnics and throwing them onto the pitch.

A further two-minute delay occurred later in the match following the large-scale pitch incursion.

The SPFL say these incidents caused a health and safety risk to fellow supporters, players and those working at matches; as well as a significant inconvenience to thousands of supporters at the matches and fans watching these games at home.

Celtic and Aberdeen were both found to have breached SPFL rules H36 and H37 and have been handed a suspended reduction of 200 tickets in the areas of the stadium where the displays took place for one future match in SPFL competitions at Pittodrie and Parkhead respectively.

The sanctions will be triggered in the event of another breach of rules H36 and/or H37 through pyrotechnic use by supporters in any SPFL competition on, or before, June 30 2026.

Partick Thistle were found to have breached rule H37 in respect of two separate serious incidents during the playoff quarter final second leg against Ayr United.

They have been handed a suspended sanction of the closure of a stand at Firhill for one future match in SPFL competitions, to be triggered in the event of another breach of rule H37 through pyrotechnic use or pitch invasion by supporters of the club in any SPFL competition on, or before, June 30 2026.

Aberdeen issued a response to the sanctions, saying: “The sanction imposed is a suspended partial closure of sections of the Merkland Stand (consisting of 200 seats) for one match, subject to any similar pyrotechnic incidents at Pittodrie Stadium. This suspended sanction will be in place until June 2026.

“In short, and to be clear, if there are any future incidents of orchestrated and/or dangerous pyrotechnic use in the Merkland Stand by fans prior to 30 June 2026, the league will enforce temporary closures in that stand.

“This will lock out fans, with the potential for no matchday tickets in the Red Shed for one match, and some season ticket holders in that area having to be rehoused in other parts of the ground.

“The is the first step on a potential sliding scale of punitive sanctions open to the SPFL, which could get more onerous, resulting in more fans being locked out at games, costing the club significant revenue in the shape of possible fines and/or missed ticketing revenue if there are further incidents of this nature.

“AFC has, in the last 18 months, employed Stephen McCormick as Supporter Experience Manager, and together with a fantastic group of volunteers and the Fans Project, he has carried out some brilliant work to improve the matchday atmosphere – including flags, banners, displays and even controlled, safety-approved firework displays before some matches.

“These have all been well received, with our aim of trying to bring some of that same visual spectacle to matches without the obvious safety risks. We want that to continue.

“However. the SPFL have made it absolutely clear to us they will not accept orchestrated and dangerous pyrotechnic ignitions by fans in the stands and, like numerous other clubs, will take real and serious action against any clubs where it happens. They will adopt a zero-tolerance policy.

“They have reiterated to the Club in the strongest possible terms that the possession and use of fireworks, smoke bombs, firecrackers, and all pyrotechnics are illegal and strictly prohibited. These items pose a serious risk to spectator safety. Anyone caught in possession of or using a pyro device will face criminal action, may receive a banning order and risk being banned from Pittodrie.

“Aberdeen FC enjoy a brilliant, colourful and noisy support, and we are so immensely grateful for that.

“We would plead for everyone’s cooperation in ensuring there are no further incidents similar to the Celtic match on 14 May. This will ensure there is no risk of any spectator safety and no prospect of stand closures and potentially innocent Dons fans having to miss the match because of it.”