Cup final displays add to SPFL pyro charges against Celtic & Rangers

The illegal use of pyrotechnics at Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final will be added to SPFL charges already in place against Celtic and Rangers.

Earlier this month, the governing body announced it was taking action after similar displays in the semi-finals of the competition, with Motherwell also cited.

The clubs face potential fines and will be called before an independent panel at a hearing early next year.

“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,” read a statement from the SPFL.

“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 specific law banning the use of pyrotechnics inside stadiums in Scotland was introduced in 2023. Prior to the final, Old Firm managers Brendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement had condemned their use.

Celtic lifted the cup after a penalty shoot-out, with the Glasgow rivals locked at 3-3 after extra-time.

Some fans spilled onto the trackside at the national stadium to celebrate and the SPFL add that they will review the match delegate’s report to consider the “unacceptable encroachment of supporters”.

League 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.