SPFL slam 'illegal and unsafe' use of pyrotechnics from Old Firm fans during League Cup final

The SPFL have slammed the use of “illegal and unsafe” pyrotechnics from Old Firm fans during the Premier Sports Cup Final.

The Scottish Professional Football League has condemned the widespread use of flares during Sunday’s dramatic 3-3 final between Rangers and Celtic, describing supporters’ behaviour as “completely unacceptable”.

It comes after kick-off was delayed at Hampden as fans from both sides lit flares and smoke blew across the pitch and out of the stadium.

After similar incidents at the national stadium in last month’s semi-final ties, both clubs now face further punishment.

The governing body has said the pyro incidents will be considered within the current ongoing disciplinary proceedings, and will meet with Police Scotland regarding their investigations into the matter.

The SPFL will also review the match delegate’s report regarding the “unacceptable encroachment of supporters” when they spilled onto trackside at full-time as Celtic fans celebrated a penalty shoot-out victory.

Pyro was lit inside Hampden on Sunday. SNS Group via SNS Group

The full 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.”

Rangers, Motherwell, and Celtic were charged over the behaviour of their fans at the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals in November after both games at Hampden had their kick-offs delayed after fans lit pyrotechnics.

Philippe Clement had previously spoken out against the use of smoke bombs and has urged fans to “use your voice to sing and support the players” as he praised the atmosphere of Scottish football, and Celtic counterpart Brendan Rodgers said he hoped the SPFL disciplinary charges would bring about the end of pyrotechnics.